Pix: Akwa Ibom NSCDC Commandant, Eluyemi Eluwade,
Petroleum marketers under the aegis of Natural Oil and Gas Supplier Association of Nigeria have commended operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State command, for their efforts that led to the arrest of suspected pol thieves in the state.
NSCDC operatives in the command arrested six suspected oil thieves who disguised as a Joint Security Tax Force of an agency to perpetrate their illegal act.
The operatives subsequently inyercepted 45,000 litres of Automative Gas Oil popularly known as diesel.
The suspects were arrested along Calabar-Itu Highway on Monday by operatives of the Anti-Vandal squad after a tip-off.
In a statement in Uyo on Thursday, the state chairman of the association, Sam Osung\xa0 commended the operatives for their gallantry and pledged to collaborate with the agency to end the menace of oil thieves in the state.
The statement read, “Sequel to the news of the arrest and detention of a few members of the syndicate infiltrating Akwa Ibom State with adulterated petroleum products and other illicit vices in the petroleum industry, we commend the uncompromising disposition of the NSCDC and their gallant operations that led to the apprehension of the perpetrators
“It is surprising the extent the suspected syndicate can go by way of impersonating the security Joint Taskforce just to mislead and see the the successful smuggling of illegally procured petroleum products to Akwa Ibom State
“As critical stakeholders in the downstream supply and distribution chain, we commend the efforts of NSCDC and implore other relevant agencies to save the state from this menace by apprehending individuals in this endemic conducts
“We will always partner with the NSCDC and other relevant agencies to stop this menace as their inhuman act robbed off on our integrity as legitimate dealers in the petroleum industry.
“Members of the public are interested in seeing to the conclusion and possible prosecution of the perpetrators if eventually found culpable
“It’s our belief that with intentionality and proficient efforts of the NSCDC the industry will be rid of all unwholesome practice and illicit vices in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria”
The group, NOGSAN, Akwa Ibom State chapter, had earlier commended the efforts of security agencies in tackling oil theft in the state.
NOGSAN commended the efforts of the operatives of the NSCDC for effectively taking the war against oil thieves to the den of the perpetrators, noting that the action had stemmed from incidences of oil sector fraud in the state.