The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Akwa Ibom state said five suspected smugglers have been arrested with two trucks load containing adulterated fuel, and another containing 33,000 of petroleum products in the state.
The adulterated fuel was concealed in 200 cellophane bags inside the truck.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Abidemi Majekodunmi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the command exhibits yard in Uyo Saturday.
According to him, two of the suspects, the truck driver and the conductor, were arrested around Itam Road, Itu Local Government Area of the state with an articulated truck containing consignments of suspected illegal petroleum products.
He said other three suspects were nabbed by the Nigerian army with a 33, 000 litres truck loaded with petroleum products sourced from illegal cracking location in Abia and handed over to the NSCDC.
He said, “We have detained them, and they have made worthwhile statements. We are also pushing further to ensure that all other people involved in the activities will be brought to face the law, so that justice can prevail.
“We will ensure that we get to the root of this case, as they will be prosecuted in the competent Court of law. Trusting that this will serve as deterrent to all conspiring to engage in these activities. We promise the people of Nigeria that we will look into this case to the very end.
“We have 200 Cellophane sacks filled with AGO suspected to have been sourced from an illegal refinery location. Now the security patrol team who are always on routine patrol, accosted them on the road, and demanded for a search.
“On searching, 200 cellophane bags were discovered filled with suspected stolen products. Illegal refined oil are products of oil theft and this must not be allowed to continue. Even the degradation that it does to the economy is unbearable and it is a problem for the country,”
He warned that it would no longer be business as usual for vandals as the corps would definitely take necessary actions to out for more conspirators.
“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 have to 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. May God continue to bless Nigeria.” he said.
He called on security personnel, especially those at the border posts to be more vigilant, and be at alert to contain with the antics of criminals to keep the state and nation safe.
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