Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded a truck suspected to be conveying 45,000 litres of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, mixed with gas condensates. The seizure, which occurred on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, along Awka Road in Onitsha, is part of the Command's sustained efforts to eradicate oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products across the nation.
According to a statement issued by the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, the truck was intercepted at approximately 4:45 p.m. by operatives of the Command's Anti-Vandalism Squad, led by CSC Chris Nwosu, following credible intelligence. However, upon sighting the NSCDC team, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving behind the suspected illegal petroleum products.
Commandant Olatunde disclosed this to journalists at the NSCDC State Command Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, explaining that the operation was in line with the Commandant General's vision to combat the menace of pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage. He said, "The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, in continuation of its operations in tandem with the Commandant General's vision to eradicate the menace of vandalism of oil pipelines and illegal dealings in petroleum products across the nation, has impounded a truck suspected to be conveying 45,000 litres of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO/Diesel) mixed with gas condensates, after the driver fled the scene".
The Commandant revealed that the truck and its contents were immediately moved to the State Command Headquarters in Awka for safe custody and further investigations to prevent the suspected adulterated products from entering the market. He also assured that samples of the product would be taken for laboratory analysis to determine its exact composition, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing driver and his accomplices.
Olatunde reiterated the Corps' unwavering commitment to ridding the state of all forms of economic sabotage, warning perpetrators of such illegal activities to desist or face the full wrath of the law. "We are ready to combat all acts of economic sabotage in the oil and gas industry and shall put in every effort to rid the sector of miscreants," he declared. He further assured the public that the Command remains committed to tightening intelligence, surveillance, and joint operations with sister agencies to fish out and bring perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice.
This latest seizure comes barely 48 hours after the NSCDC Anambra Command arrested a truck driver, Sunday Ukeh, for allegedly attempting to run over its operatives while transporting 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. In that incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., the driver allegedly accelerated towards officers of the Anti-Vandalism Squad in a bid to evade arrest. The command said the suspect was intercepted with a truck conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil in a separate operation on July 22, 2026.
The recurring incidents underscore the persistent challenge of illegal petroleum product trading in Anambra State, a major commercial hub where adulterated products have become a significant concern. The NSCDC has intensified intelligence-led operations across the state, targeting syndicates involved in the adulteration, diversion, and illegal transportation of petroleum products. The Command has warned that those engaged in such activities will face the full weight of the law, as the government continues to prioritise the protection of critical national assets and the safety of citizens.
The Anambra State Command's efforts are part of a broader national strategy to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering, which have cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenue and contributed to environmental degradation. The NSCDC, as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, has been at the forefront of these efforts, collaborating with other security agencies to disrupt the networks that sustain the illicit petroleum trade.
The latest seizure also highlights the challenges faced by security operatives in the region, where criminals often resort to dangerous tactics, including attempting to run over officers, to evade arrest. Despite these challenges, the NSCDC has remained resolute in its commitment to protecting the nation's oil and gas infrastructure and ensuring that those who engage in economic sabotage are brought to justice.
As investigations continue, the Command has urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to strengthen the fight against economic sabotage and other criminal activities. The NSCDC has assured that all intelligence will be treated with utmost confidentiality and that the Command will continue to sustain its offensive against illegal petroleum trading until the state is rid of all forms of economic sabotage.
The impounded truck and the 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated diesel remain in the custody of the NSCDC pending the outcome of laboratory analysis and further investigations. The Command has vowed to ensure that the fleeing driver and his accomplices are apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in similar illegal activities.
For the residents of Anambra State, the NSCDC's continued crackdown on illegal petroleum products is a welcome development, as it helps to protect consumers from the dangers of adulterated fuel and ensures that the state's economy is not undermined by criminal elements. The Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens and to ensuring that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all.
As the fight against economic sabotage continues, the NSCDC has called on all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents, to support the efforts of security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with law enforcement. The Command has assured that it will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of all forms of criminality and to ensure that the rule of law prevails.
The seizure of the truck carrying 45,000 litres of adulterated diesel is a testament to the NSCDC's commitment to its mandate and its determination to protect the nation's economic assets. With sustained intelligence-led operations and the support of the public, the Command is confident that it can significantly reduce the incidence of illegal petroleum trading and other forms of economic sabotage in Anambra State and beyond.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments