The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has impounded a 45,000-litre tanker laden with a product suspected to be ethanol, acquired illegally.

The commandant, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Geraldine Abetianbe, made the remark in Uyo on Friday and said that three suspects were arrested in connection with the act.

Ms Abetianbe explained that the impoundment was made at Ikot Umo Essien, along Aba Road, in Essien Udim LGA, on Tuesday at about 1300hrs by operatives of the command who acted on credible intelligence.

‎”On June 23, at about 1300 hrs, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a petroleum tanker at Ikot Umo Essien, along Aba Road, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. ‎

“Three suspects were arrested at the scene in connection with the act,” she said.

Ms ‎Abetianbe said that the arrest and impoundment were premised on reasonable suspicion of illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products in the state.

The state commandant said that upon interrogation by operatives of the command, the suspects presented a waybill which immediately raised suspicion due to several discrepancies. ‎

She added that further investigation and inquiry conducted to confirm the authenticity of the declared point of loading returned negative results.

“This confirmed our suspicion that the product was not sourced through legitimate channels.

“Through synergy, mutual respect, and timely information sharing, we recorded this success,” she said.

The commandant warned that illegal dealing in petroleum products in the country was not just a crime but an act of economic sabotage.

According to her, illegal dealing in petroleum products deprives the government of revenue, endangers lives through adulteration and explosions, and undermines national security.

She reiterated that NSCDC, as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, would not relent in carrying out its mandate.

“We shall continue to go after vandals, illegal bunkers, product adulterators, and all those who engage in diversion and illegal transportation of petroleum products,” she said.

The commandant appreciated the support and collaboration of sister security agencies, stressing that the NSCDC could not operate in isolation. 

(NAN)