The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, has arrested three suspects and impounded a tanker containing 45,000 litres of ethanol suspected to have been illegally acquired.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mrs Geraldine Abetianbe, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Uyo on Friday.
Abetianbe said the arrest and seizure were made on Tuesday at about 1pm by operatives of the command acting on credible intelligence at Ikot Umo Essien, along Aba Road, in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
”On June 23, at about 1300hrs, our operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted a petroleum tanker at Ikot Umo Essien, along Aba Road, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The tanker, with a capacity of 45,000 litres, was laden with a product suspected to be ethanol acquired illegally.
“Three suspects were arrested at the scene in connection with the act,” Abetianbe said.
Abetianbe explained that the arrest and seizure of the vehicle were based on reasonable suspicion of the illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products in the state.
She said that upon interrogation by operatives of the command, the suspects presented a waybill that immediately raised suspicion due to several discrepancies, adding that further investigation and inquiries conducted to confirm the authenticity of the declared point of loading returned negative.
“This confirmed our suspicion that the product was not sourced through legitimate channels. Through synergy, mutual respect, and timely information sharing, we recorded this success,” she said.
The commandant used the opportunity to warn criminals against engaging in the illegal trade of petroleum products in the country, saying such activities are not only criminal but also constitute economic sabotage by depriving the government of revenue, endangering lives through adulteration and explosions, and undermining national security.
She vowed that the NSCDC, as the lead agency responsible for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, would not relent in carrying out its mandate.
“We shall continue to go after vandals, illegal bunkerers, product adulterators, and all those who engage in diversion and illegal transportation of petroleum products,” she said.
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