NSCDC nabs three suspected oil theft in Anambra

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), has arrested three persons suspected to be involved in oil theft.

The suspects, who were paraded in Awka, were said to be conveying 1,625 litres of adulterated diesel also known as Automotive Gas Oil at Odekpe in Ogbaru local government of the state.

Their names were given as Okechukwu Okeke (28) from Ojoto, Idemili South LGA, Emeka Chukwuma (34) from Akili - Ozizor, Ogbaru LGA, both in Anambra State and Ifunanya Ike (29) of Mbano LGA of Imo State.

They were arrested on March 28, 2024 along Atani road in Ogbaru.

Parading the suspects at the state headquarters of NSCDC, the state Commandant, Olatunde Maku said they were nabbed by Joint Operating Team of Anti- Vandalism Squad of the Command and the Nigerian Navy.

According to him, the suspects were conveying the products in two shuttle buses with plate numbers Anambra AWK 429 XY and Anambra GDD 277 XB.

He said the suspects would be arraigned after investigations were concluded and vowed to step up the fight against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and petroleum products black market racketeering in Anambra State.

He called on the public to assist the command in its renewed effort to stamp out illegal oil refining activities in the state through provision of intelligence on illegal oil bunkering activities within their domains.

He said: "This arrest was made possible in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and preliminary investigation revealed that the illegally refined products were loaded at Ogbakuma and headed to Okoti community, both in Ogbaru area.

"I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for their support in the fight against criminality in the state. This type of synergy is what is needed to wage a full-scale war against perpetrators of the heinous crime.

"NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, is known for its zero tolerance in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.

"We remain focused in freeing Anambra State of illegal petroleum products racketeering and other related criminalities."