Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has paraded three suspects arrested with 24,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene, as well as 3,000 litres of adulterated Automotive Gasoline Oil.
Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Michael Ogar, parading the suspects at the Corps’ exhibit jetty in Ogbogoro, Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, said the suspects were arrested separately by the marine and land patrol team of the Corps.
Ogar said other items recovered from the suspects are a large Cotonou boat, two vehicles, adding that the suspects concealed the 24,000litres of the suspected illegally refined petroleum products in sack bags.
While affirming that the suspects will have their time in court, the Rivers NSCDC boss also appealed to members of the public to provide the Command with credible information, that would enhance the clamping down of oil thieves in the state.
“The products were carefully arranged in the wooden boat such that a layman would assume it as a passenger boat, but based on sustained intelligence, the suspects: William Chen (29) Male and Emmanuel Uriah (27) Male were tactically double crossed and arrested by our marine team along Isaka creek off the new Calabar River.
“The land patrol team arrested one Anayo Obasi aged 38 years, Male for illegal dealings in petroleum products. The suspect was apprehended with a minibus with registration number Abia BND 82 ZM, laden with about 1,500 litres of illegaly refined AGO concealed in cellophane.
“Another Toyota Camry Car with number plate Lagos GN 76 LND laden with about 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO was impounded at Abonima Wharf by UTC junction.”
NSCDC also warned perpetrators of oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities, to relocate out of Rivers State, as he will not compromise nor leave any stone unturned in stamping out the menace.
“We are fully equipped and ready to fight the menace of oil theft, vandalism of oil pipelines and all acts of illegal dealings in petroleum products in Rivers State.
“The Command under my watch will not accept Indiscipline, compromise and connivance of officers with illegal oil dealers because any officer caught aiding and abetting illegal bunkerers would be rid of all his uniforms and accoutrements and treated like a criminal.”
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