Oil theft: NSCDC apprehends three suspects in Anambra

Three suspects have been arrested and paraded in Anambra State by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, NSCDC, for oil theft.

The suspects were conveying 1,625 litres of adulterated diesel also known as Automotive Gas Oil in Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, Okechukwu Okeke (28) from Ojoto, Idemili South LGA, Emeka Chukwuma (34) from Akili – Ozizor, Ogbaru LGA, both in Anambra State and Ifunanya Ike (29) of Mbano LGA of Imo State, were arrested on Thursday, March 28, 2024, along Atani road.

Parading the suspects at the State Command, State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, said the suspects were nabbed by Joint Operating Team of the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the Command headed by ACC Chinenye Chinweze and the Nigerian Navy.

He said the suspects were conveying the products in two shuttle buses – a white coloured bus with plate number Anambra AWK 429 XY and an ash coloured bus with registration number Anambra GDD 277 XB.

He said the suspects would be arraigned after investigations were concluded, vowing to step up the fight against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and petroleum products black market racketeering in Anambra State.

The NSCDC boss called on the public to assist the Command in its renewed vigour to stamp out illegal oil refining activities in the state through provision of intelligence on illegal oil bunkering activities within their domains.

He said, “This arrest was made possible in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and preliminary investigation revealed that the illegally refined products were loaded at Ogbakuma and headed to Okoti community, both in Ogbaru area.

“I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for their support in the fight against criminality in the state. This type of synergy is what is needed to wage a full-scale war against perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national and local government assets and infrastructure, is known for its zero tolerance in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.

“We remain focused in freeing Anambra state of illegal petroleum products racketeering and other related criminalities.”