Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives in Anambra State have intercepted a truck loaded with 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated diesel after its driver abandoned the vehicle and fled during an enforcement operation.
The truck, believed to be transporting Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) mixed with gas condensates, was intercepted following an intelligence-led operation carried out by the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad.
Addressing journalists at the NSCDC State Command Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the truck was seized during the operation while the driver escaped immediately he spotted security operatives.
According to him, credible intelligence enabled the Head of the Anti-Vandalism Squad, CSC Chris Nwosu, and his team to track and intercept the truck on Tuesday at about 4:45 p.m. along Awka Road in Onitsha.
Olatunde said the operation forms part of the corps’ ongoing campaign, in line with the vision of the Commandant General, to eliminate pipeline vandalism and illegal petroleum product dealings across the country.
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 consignment did not find its way into the market, moved the truck and the suspected adulterated product to the State Command Headquarters in Awka for safe custody and further investigation.”
The Commandant reiterated that the Corps would sustain its crackdown on oil theft and other illegal activities in the petroleum sector until all forms of economic sabotage are eliminated from the State.
He added that samples of the suspected product would be sent for laboratory analysis, while efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing driver and anyone connected with the operation.
Olatunde warned those involved in illegal petroleum businesses to desist or face the full weight of the law.
“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 strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance and joint operations with sister security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all perpetrators of economic sabotage,” he said.