The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has seized a truck allegedly transporting 45,000 litres of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, mixed with gas condensates.
The Punch reported that while addressing journalists at the State Command Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, the Anambra State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the truck was intercepted during a routine operation driven by intelligence.
According to him, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled immediately after noticing the approaching NSCDC operatives.
Olatunde disclosed that the operation was carried out on Tuesday at about 4:45 p.m. along Awka Road in Onitsha by the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad, led by CSC Chris Nwosu, following credible intelligence.
He noted that the seizure forms part of the Corps’ sustained efforts to combat oil pipeline vandalism and illegal petroleum product activities in line with the vision of the Commandant General.
He said, “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, in continuation of its operations in tandem with the Commandant General’s vision to eradicate the menace of vandalism of oil pipelines and illegal dealings in petroleum products across the nation, has impounded a truck suspected to be conveying 45,000 litres of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO/Diesel) mixed with gas condensates, after the driver fled the scene.
“Credible intelligence led the Head of the Anti-Vandalism Squad, CSC Chris Nwosu, and his team to track and intercept the truck on Tuesday, at about 1645 hours along Awka Road, Onitsha.
“Upon sighting the NSCDC team, the driver abandoned the truck with the products and fled the scene.
“The Command, in ensuring the seized consignments did not find their way to the market, took the truck and the suspected adulterated product to the State Command Headquarters, Awka, for safe custody and further investigations.”
The Commandant reaffirmed the Corps’ resolve to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and illegal petroleum transactions, stressing that those involved in economic sabotage would not be spared.
He said samples of the suspected adulterated product would undergo laboratory analysis, while investigations had commenced to identify and arrest the fleeing driver and any accomplices connected to the consignment.
Olatunde also warned individuals engaged in illegal petroleum activities to abandon such acts or face prosecution.
“We are ready to combat all acts of economic sabotage in the oil and gas industry and shall put in every effort to rid the sector of miscreants.
“We assure the public that the Command remains committed to tightening intelligence, surveillance, and joint operations with sister agencies to fish out and bring perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice,” he added.
