By our Reporter
The Akwa Ibom state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with the Nigeria Army and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have launched an intensive crackdown on oil thieves and pipeline vandals in the state, impounding 9 trucks conveying crude oil, Low Pour Fuel Oll (LPFO) also known as black oil and Automative Gas Oil (diesel).
In a coordinated and concerted week-long operations with IPMAN and the Nigerian Army between 12th and 20th November, 2022 along Eket, Ikot Abasi and Etinan LGAs, 4 trucks loaded with (LPFO) were impounded, while all the drivers took to their heels on sighting security personal. Similarly two (2) trucks loaded with crude oil and three (3) trucks loaded with AGO (diesel) were also impounded during the operation. The operation was led by the head of Anti-vandal Squad, CSC Sunday Edem.
Parading the impounded trucks and two suspects before newsmen on Monday, 21st November, 2022, at NSCDC Exhibit Yard in Uyo, Commandant Suleiman Ibrahim stated that
“As part of the fight of oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta and in furtherance of the directive of the Commandant General, the Command has through the concerted, coordinated and collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Army and IPMAN successfully cracked down on criminals who sabotage activities in the oil and gas sector. We have impounded 9 trucks containing petroleum products like AGO, LPFO and crude oil. The fight is ongoing, and we will not relent until we rid the state of criminal elements”
Commandant Mafara told newsmen that most of the drivers of the trucks ran away on sighting security operatives, as only two were apprehended.
The 9 impounded trucks which contain about 400,000 litres of petroleum products are: An IVECO truck with Reg No: Kano FGE 136 ZY, Borno GZA 252 XA, Kano NSR 260 ZS, AWE 664 XA, Abuja ABC 182 ZY, Borno GZA 297 XA, Adamawa YLA 458 XM, JMT 419 XY, Kano TRN 740 ZY.
The The NSCDC boss appreciated the synergy the corps enjoyed with sister security agencies and well meaning groups like IPMAN all through the joint operations. He indicated the corps’ willingness to partner with individuals, organizations and groups in the interest of the country.
While warning criminals to desist from the ilicit act of sabotaging the mainstay of the Nigerian economy in Akwa Ibom State, Comdt Mafara hinted that the arrested suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations, which is at an advanced stage.
