The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has arrested and paraded three individuals for their involvement in oil theft.
The suspects were caught transporting 1,625 litres of adulterated diesel, also known as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), in Odekpe, Ogbaru local government area of the state.
The apprehended individuals are 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 in Imo State.
The suspects were apprehended by the Joint Operating Team of the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the NSCDC, led by ACC Chinenye Chinweze, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.
According to the state Commandant of NSCDC, Olatunde Maku Maku, the suspects were transporting the illicit products using two shuttle buses: a white bus with license plate number Anambra AWK 429 XY and an ash bus with registration number Anambra GDD 277 XB.
Maku stated that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be prosecuted.
He reiterated the commitment to intensify efforts against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and black market activities in petroleum products in Anambra state.
The NSCDC chief urged the public to support the command’s renewed determination to eradicate illegal oil refining by providing intelligence on illicit oil bunkering activities in their communities.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for their support in combating criminality in the state and emphasized the importance of collaboration in waging a full-scale war against perpetrators of such crimes.
Maku reaffirmed the NSCDC’s zero-tolerance policy towards crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, stressing the agency’s dedication to freeing Anambra state from illegal petroleum products racketeering and related criminalities.
