The NSCDC command in Akwa Ibom says it has impounded 8,400 litres of petrol smuggled out of the country en route to Cameroon.

The commandant, Eluyemi Eluwade who disclosed this at a press briefing in Uyo on Thursday, said that the PMS was concealed in 28 drums.

Mr Eluwade said that on April 13, personnel of the command’s marine unit intercepted and seized the product along the Mbo River.

”Our marine squad was on routine patrol along the waterways with its gunboat when they accosted the long wooden boat carrying the product. This happened near the international waters between Nigeria and Cameroon; the suspects dived into the river in order to escape arrest,” he said.

The commandant said that after a thorough search, NSCDC personnel discovered 28 drums containing 300 litres of petrol in each boat.

”While the suspects dived into the water, we refused using firearms because the product in question is highly inflatable,” he said.

He expressed the command’s commitment to tackling all forms of oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities in the state.

In another development, the NSCDC in Akwa Ibom arrested one suspect for allegedly assaulting PHEDC officials on duty along Oron Road, Uyo.

Mr Eluwade said the PHEDC officials were attacked with clubs and machetes by residents while undertaking their official duty. He said it was unlawful and punishable to attack people carrying out their official duties.

”Some Nigerians are dissatisfied with the power situation and bills being given to them by the PHEDC. It is better to express grievances through lawful means.

”Assault and mob action on PHEDC officials can never be justified. It is a criminal offence and punishable under the criminal code,” he said.

(NAN)