The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has said that its officers arrested two suspected illegal petroleum dealers in the state.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Okadigbo Edwin, disclosed this in a statement, yesterday, adding that the suspects were arrested along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, based on credible intelligence.

Edwin said its newly reconstituted Anti-Vandalism Squad, through coordinated operation, arrested the suspects.

He said the suspects were conveying 50,000 litres of product suspected to be adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, to an undisclosed location when they were apprehended.

The statement reads: “The newly reconstituted Anti-Vandalism Squad of the Command, headed by CSC Chinweze Chinenye, on Saturday, September 24, 2022, intercepted the said truck with registration number, MKA 806 ZF, loaded with suspected illegally refined AGO (diesel) along Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Awka.

“The truck was intercepted with two suspects, one Samuel Oduche, aged, 39, of Ndiagu Amechi Awkunanaw, and one Njoku Emeka Agu, aged, 35, of Oduma, Aninri Council, both of Enugu State, on board.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects have been in the illicit business of dealing in petroleum products without a license.

“The suspects volunteered confessional statements, admitting their involvement in illegal dealings on petroleum products while pleading for mercy.”

Meanwhile, the State Commandant, Isidore Chikere, has ordered the intelligence and investigation department to conduct discreet investigations at the end of which both suspects will be charged to court.

Chikere restated the corps’ commitment to protecting the nation’s oil and gas investments and other critical infrastructures, stressing that the Command, under his watch, will not relent on its mandate of protecting government critical assets and infrastructure from vandalism.

He urged them never to relent in giving out useful information in the fight against criminal activities and illegal dealings on petroleum products, as he reminded them that constant vandalism of pipelines, destruction of oil and gas facilities, as well as illegal oil bunkering in the country is of great concern to the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi.