The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 14 suspected vandals of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Akwa Ibom.
Moreover, it says it has impounded 170, 000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil.
Briefing newsmen at the command’s exhibits yard in Uyo, Mr Abidemi Majekodunmi, the NSCDC Commandant in Akwa Ibom, said the 14 suspects were arrested on March 10 and 14 within Itu and Onna Local Government Areas of the state.
Read also: NSCDC Arrests 30 Staffers, Seals 16 Illegal Private Guard Companies In Akwa Ibom
Majekodunmi said that the activity of the vandals and criminals could lead to bleeding of the Nigerian economy, adding that a nation striving towards development could not afford to allow these kinds of things to be happening.
“NSCDC Akwa Ibom Command is here because of the arrest we have made. In our custody, we have 14 suspects and we also have as exhibits four trucks laden with suspected petroleum products.
Read also: NSCDC Cracks Down on ‘Offensive’ Social Media Posts
“In total capacity we have 170,000 litres of AGO inside the trucks. They were accosted in four different locations. Three of them fall within Itu LGA while the fourth one was arrested in Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom state
“Definitely, we are suspicious of the content of the trucks. From our preliminary investigation we are suspected that this is adulterated petroleum products. We are working on the suspicion that it may be stolen products.
“Investigation is underway and we want to tell Akwa Ibom people that there is no breeding space for criminals and vandals in the state,” Majekodunmi said.
He said that the Commandant General, Mr Audi Abubakar has directed that under no circumstance should the command allow vandals to have breeding space.
The commandant said that the command has inaugurated “operation flush” to flush criminals out of the state.
The commandant added that the action was a contravention of the Nigerian state Constitution and NSCDC was committed to ensuring that the nation was free from vandalism.
“We want the public to support our progress with credible intelligent information, that we can actually execute our mandate and perform our constitutional duties and responsibilities.
“The Nigerian economy has a strong presence in the oil industry. We must protect this industry because it is a strong national asset and that is one of the advantages that we have as a nation.
“We want to tell the Nigerian people to shun illegalities and crime as NSCDC will not tolerate such activities,” he added.
