The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained three people suspected of stealing oil in the state.
The head of NSCDC in the state, Olatunde Maku, stated during the presentation of the suspects on Friday, that the efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and black market trading of petroleum products in the state will be intensified.
Maku, while displaying the three suspects and items seized from them, mentioned that the operation was conducted by the joint Anti-Vandalism Squad of the command, led by ACC Chinenye Chinweze, and the Nigerian Navy.
He stated, “The three suspects: Okechukwu Okeke ‘m’ aged 28 from Ojoto, Idemili South LGA , Emeka Chukwuma ‘m’ aged 34 from Akili – Ozizor, Ogbaru LGA both in Anambra State and Ifunanya Ike ‘m’ aged 29 of Mbano LGA of Imo State, respectively were arrested on Thursday, March 28, along Atani Road in Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA.
“They were transporting 65 containers of 25 liters each of suspected altered Automotive Gas Oil estimated to be about 1,625 liters in two shuttle buses, one a white colored bus with number plate Anambra AWK 429 XY and an ash colored bus with registration number Anambra GDD277XB.
“Initial investigation revealed the illegally refined products were loaded at Ogbakuma Community and bound for Okoti Community both in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra.”
The commandant noted that the collaborative efforts of NSCDC and the Nigerian Navy led to the arrest, and he vowed to make use of the existing relationship to eliminate illegal oil bunkering, which he described as a threat to the nation’s economy.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for their support in the fight against criminal activities in the state. This type of collaboration is crucial to launch a full-scale battle against perpetrators of this severe crime.
“NSCDC, being the primary agency for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, as well as the prosecuting agency, has a reputation for having zero tolerance for crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.
“We are committed to liberating Anambra State from illegal petroleum products trading and other related criminal activities,” he stated.
