Two suspects have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra with 50, 000 liters of suspected Adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel. Initial investigations have begun.
The suspects Samuel Ifeanyichukwu Oduche, 39, of Ndiagu Amechi Awkunanaw, and Emeka Agu, 35, of Oduma, Aninri, all of Enugu State, have been involved in the illegal oil business for some time now, according to the findings of the investigation thus far.
The two were taken into custody by members of the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the Corps last month in Awka, according to a statement that was released today by Edwin Okadigbo, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the NSCDC Anambra Command.
He confirmed that the suspects were detained while transporting the product in a truck with the registration number Benue MKA 806 ZF along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
The PRO stated that the State Commandant, Isdore Chikere, had directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to conduct additional investigation into the matter, and that the suspects would be brought to court at the conclusion of the investigation.
“The Commandant-General (CG) of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi is of great concern to the constant vandalism of pipelines, destruction of oil and gas facilities, and illegal oil bunkering in the country,” he noted. Okadigbo stated that this criminal act is troubling due to its effects on the economy, damage to public infrastructures, and loss of enormous government revenue from the oil sector.
He continued, “The CG has tasked us to reorganize and empower the Anti-Vandalism Squad to decisively tackle these menaces in light of the aforementioned, which has begun yielding the desired results.”