The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended eight suspects and impounded seven trucks containing 315,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel, in Akwa Ibom.

The NSCDC Commandant in Akwa Ibom, Suleman Mafara, said this while addressing the press at the command’s exhibits yard in Uyo on Monday.

“A total of seven trucks were impounded carrying 315, 000 litres of adulterated petroleum products (AGO) believed to have been possessed illegally through bunkering and falsification of documents and waybills,” Mr Marafa said.

Mr Mafara said the suspects were arrested based on intelligence and surveillance by operatives of the anti-vandals unit of the NSCDC Akwa Ibom command on July 7 along the Calabar-Itu highway.

He said the command would not relentlessly protect the government’s critical assets and infrastructure from vandalism.

“As soon as we finish our investigation, we are charging them to Court. I want to make it clear to all Nigerians that the NSCDC, under the leadership of our Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, will not relent in tackling all forms of criminal activities.

“I want to use this medium to appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to support NSCDC for the betterment of the Nigerian society,” Mr Mafara said.

The commandant assured the Akwa Ibom people that the command would make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements.

He warned criminals and vandals to rethink and relocate out of the state as the place was no longer safe for economic saboteurs.

(NAN)