The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has apprehended three suspected oil thieves operating in the state. Commandant Olatunde Maku, speaking during the suspects' parade on Friday, pledged to intensify efforts against "crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and petroleum products black market racketeering" in Anambra.
Maku, while presenting the suspects and the seized exhibits, disclosed that the operation was conducted by the joint Anti-Vandalism Squad of the NSCDC, led by ACC Chinenye Chinweze, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy. The suspects, identified as Okechukwu Okeke, Emeka Chukwuma, and Ifunanya Ike, were apprehended on Thursday, March 28, along Atani Road in Odekpe Community, Ogbaru LGA. They were transporting 65 kegs of 25 liters each of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil in two shuttle buses.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the illegally refined products were loaded in Ogbakuma Community and were en route to Okoti Community, both in Ogbaru LGA. The commandant emphasized the importance of the collaborative effort between NSCDC and Nigerian Navy, describing illegal oil bunkering as a threat to the nation's economy.
Maku commended the Nigerian Navy for their support and emphasized the need for such partnerships to combat criminal activities effectively. He reiterated NSCDC's commitment to eradicating illegal petroleum products racketeering and other related crimes in Anambra State.
