AKWA IBOM PETROLEUM MARKETERS COMMEND NSCDC FOR ARRESTING OIL THIEVES
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, has received praise from petroleum marketers operating under the auspices of the Natural Oil and Gas Supplier Association of Nigeria for the actions that resulted in the apprehension of suspected oil thieves within the state.
Six suspected oil thieves were apprehended by NSCDC agents in the command after they pretended to be members of an agency’s Joint Security Tax Force in order to carry out their illicit activity.
The operatives subsequently intercepted 45,000 litres of Automative gas oil, popularly known as diesel.
The criminals were apprehended by anti-vandal squad members on Monday along the Calabar-Itu Highway following a tip.
In a statement in Uyo on Thursday, the state chairman of the association, Sam Osung commended the operatives for their gallantry and pledged to collaborate with the agency to end the menace of oil thieves in the state.
The statement read, “Sequel to the news of the arrest and detention of a few members of the syndicate infiltrating Akwa Ibom State with adulterated petroleum products and other illicit vices in the petroleum industry, we commend the uncompromising disposition of the NSCDC and their gallant operations that led to the apprehension of the perpetrators
“It is surprising the extent the suspected syndicate can go by way of impersonating the security Joint Taskforce just to mislead and see the the successful smuggling of illegally procured petroleum products to Akwa Ibom State.
“As critical stakeholders in the downstream supply and distribution chain, we commend the efforts of NSCDC and implore other relevant agencies to save the state from this menace by apprehending individuals in this endemic conducts
“We will always partner with the NSCDC and other relevant agencies to stop this menace, as their inhuman act robbed off on our integrity as legitimate dealers in the petroleum industry.
“Members of the public are interested in seeing to the conclusion and possible prosecution of the perpetrators if eventually found culpable
“It’s our belief that with intentionality and proficient efforts of the NSCDC, the industry will be rid of all unwholesome practice and illicit vices in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.”
The Akwa Ibom State branch of NOGSAN has previously applauded the security agencies’ efforts in combating oil theft in the state.
Noting that the action had resulted from incidents of oil sector fraud in the state, NOGSAN praised the efforts of the NSCDC personnel for successfully bringing the war against oil thieves to the den of the culprits.