The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded two trucks with 75,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Akwa Ibom.

The NSCDC commandant in the state, Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing reporters at the command’s exhibits yard in Uyo on Tuesday.

Mr Eluwade said four suspects were arrested Monday at a filling station along Abak Road in Uyo Metropolis while trying to blend two products to form diesel.

He said the activities of the vandals and criminals could lead to the bleeding of the nation’s economy. He added that a country striving towards development could not afford to allow such activities to continue.

“The first truck contained 45,000 litres of suspected Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and the second truck contained 30,000 litres of suspected Marine Diesel Oil, called MDO.

“Some other items recovered at the site included 13 jerry cans of 25-litre dissolver chemicals, four plastic hoses, two pumping machines, one generator, one electric pump and two flow metres.

“All these things are now in our custody, and the investigation is ongoing. These set of people are trying to put two products together to form AGO, according to our preliminary findings,” Mr Eluwade said.

The commandant appealed to all criminals in the state to turn a new leaf and stay away from illegal activities, as the command would not relent in arresting them.

He said the Nigerian economy had a strong presence in the oil industry, stressing that the corps would continue to protect the industry.

Mr Eluwade further said the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation is completed, adding that it would serve as a deterrent to other criminals. 

(NAN)