The Anambra Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspects with 1,625 litres of adulterated diesel.

The NSCDC commandant in Anambra, Olatunde Maku, told journalists on Friday in Awka that the suspects were arrested on March 23 along Atani Road in Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

He said his team arrested Oluchukwu Okeke, 28, from Ogbaru in Anambra; Emeka Chukwuma, 34, also from Ogbaru in Anambra; and Ifunanya Ike, 29, from Mbano in Imo state.

Mr Maku said they were conveying 65 kegs of 25 litres each of suspected adulterated diesel, estimated to be 1,625 litres, in four different vehicles.

He said the vehicles were two shuttle buses, a white-coloured bus with registration number AWK429XY and another ash-coloured bus with registration number GDD277XB.

“This arrest was made possible in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy. A preliminary investigation revealed that the illegally refined products were loaded at Ogbakuma and headed to the Okoti community, both in the Ogbaru area,” said Mr Maku.

He commended the navy for its support in fighting criminality in Delta, noting that such synergy was needed to wage war against perpetrators.

“NSCDC, as the lead agency in protecting critical national, state, and local government assets and infrastructure, is known for its zero-tolerance for crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.

“We remain focused on freeing Anambra state of illegal petroleum products racketeering and other related criminalities,” he said.

Mr Maku added that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were completed.

He called on members of the public to assist the command in its renewed vigour to stamp out illegal oil refining activities in the state by providing intelligence on illegal oil bunkering activities within their domains. 

(NAN)