Operating in Anambra State, three individuals suspected of oil theft were apprehended by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
NSCDC’s State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, expressed determination to intensify efforts against activities such as crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and black market trade in petroleum products within the state during the presentation of the suspects on Friday.
Parading the suspects and the seized items, Maku highlighted that the joint operation involved the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the command, led by ACC Chinenye Chinweze, and the Nigerian Navy.
According to Maku, the three suspects were identified as Okechukwu Okeke, 28, from Ojoto, Idemili South LGA, Emeka Chukwuma, 34, from Akili – Ozizor, Ogbaru LGA, both in Anambra State, and Ifunanya Ike, 29, from Mbano LGA, Imo State. They were apprehended on Thursday, March 28, along Atani Road in Odekpe Community, Ogbaru LGA.
The suspects were transporting 65 kegs, each containing 25 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, totaling approximately 1,625 litres, in two shuttle buses. These buses were identified as a white bus with license plate Anambra AWK 429 XY and an ash-colored bus with registration number Anambra GDD277XB.
As per initial investigations, the illegally refined products were loaded in Ogbakuma Community and were en route to Okoti Community, both within Ogbaru LGA, Anambra.
The successful arrest was credited to the effective collaboration between NSCDC and the Nigerian Navy. Maku pledged to leverage this partnership to combat illegal oil bunkering, labeling it as a significant threat to the national economy.
“I commend the Nigerian Navy for their assistance in combating criminal activities in the state. This kind of cooperation is essential to launch a comprehensive battle against those engaging in these illicit acts,” stated Maku.
NSCDC, being the primary agency safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, is resolute in its stance against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering. The agency is renowned for its unwavering dedication to stamping out these illegal practices.
“Our focus remains on eradicating illegal petroleum products trading and related criminal activities in Anambra State,” affirmed Maku.