The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to stamping out illegal activities in the petroleum sector. This comes on the heels of a successful operation by the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, which intercepted two heavy-duty trucks loaded with 94,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Nasarawa State.
The trucks, a DAF XF model and a MARK model, with registration numbers YEN-655 KW and KZR-733 XA respectively, were laden with 47,000 litres of crude oil each. They were apprehended in Akunza Obi Local Government Area following an intelligence tip-off about their illegal cargo, believed to have been siphoned from vandalized pipelines in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Preliminary investigations revealed the use of counterfeit waybills and fictitious license plates. Four suspects were arrested at the scene: Nafiu Aminu (44), Sanni Mohammed (27), Abdullahi Awolu (28), and Babpa Awal (22). They are currently assisting authorities with the investigation.
Dr. Audi condemned the actions of criminals exploiting the nation’s resources and emphasized the NSCDC’s mandate to protect critical national assets. “Oil thieves who live large on proceeds of criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law. The NSCDC will relentlessly arrest and prosecute offenders to serve as a deterrent,” he stated.
The CG commended Commandant Appolos Dandaura and his team for their swift and effective operation, noting that the NSCDC remains resolute in its fight against oil theft and vandalism. He also urged the public to provide credible information to help track down perpetrators, assuring that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Recovered exhibits include:
A white 22-tyre MARK Model Truck (KZR-733 XA) loaded with 47,000 litres of crude oil.
A white 18-tyre DAF XF model Truck (YEN-655 KW) carrying 47,000 litres of crude oil.
Suspected counterfeit waybills.
Dr. Audi’s renewed charge to all NSCDC formations and units nationwide underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure and resources.