The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom state command, has arrested nine suspects over illegal dealings in petroleum products and other offences. Eluyemi Eluwade, the state NSCDC commander, made this announcement during a press conference on Saturday.
According to Eluwade, the anti-vandal unit of the command made the arrests on July 14 along the Ikot Abasi-Port Harcourt Expressway. The unit also impounded three trucks found to be carrying 135,000 litres of petroleum products.
"The trucks were halted for routine inspection of documents by NSCDC personnel who insisted on sighting relevant papers, including licenses to buy, sell, and convey petroleum products as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act," Eluwade stated. "The inability of the suspects to produce complete relevant documents led to their arrest and the impoundment of their trucks for illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable by Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act."
Two of the impounded trucks were found to be transporting approximately 45,000 litres each of automotive gas oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. The third truck was carrying around 45,000 litres of a petroleum product suspected to be crude oil or used engine oil, which also requires a license for purchase, sale, or transportation.
In addition to the petroleum-related arrests, Eluwade noted that another suspect was apprehended on July 15 in Idu Uruan, Uruan LGA. This individual was allegedly involved in a criminal conspiracy, tampering with, and theft of armoured cable from a transformer at the Nigeria Medical Association center in Uruan. The suspect, who was a guard at the facility, is said to have colluded with criminals to breach the facility's security, vandalize, and steal the armoured cable.
The NSCDC commander emphasized that all suspects are currently under investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of these investigations. He stressed that this would serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar activities.
Eluwade also issued a stern warning against the vandalism of public utilities, describing it as a crime against society. "Vandalism deprives everyone of the common good that these utilities are meant to provide," he said.
The NSCDC's efforts in apprehending these suspects reflect its commitment to curbing illegal activities and safeguarding public resources. As the investigations proceed, the public awaits further developments and hopes for a reduction in such crimes through stringent enforcement and legal actions.
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