Chinedum Treasure
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command has arrested two suspects for criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.
The Corps also impounded one truck conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters, Awka, State Commandant, Maku Olatunde said the arrest followed intelligence-led operations initiated by the Command to clamp down on all acts of economic sabotage within the oil and gas industry in the state.
“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad tracked and arrested one Mr. Jonas Nwokpoko, male, aged 52, from Izza South LGA of Ebonyi State, and Chinweze Iloh, male, aged 28, from Omor, Ayamelum LGA, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at about 14:30 hours along Boromeu Road, near Limca Road, Onitsha, with a truck loaded with about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated product.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects were allegedly linked to a criminal syndicate suspected of dealing in adulterated products.
“The trucks were halted for routine inspection of documents by NSCDC personnel, who insisted on sighting relevant papers, including licences to buy, sell and convey petroleum products as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The inability of the suspects to produce complete relevant documents led to their arrest and their trucks being impounded for illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable by Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act” he added.
While stressing that the activities of vandals constitute economic sabotage, NSCDC helmsman warned that the Corps will leave no stone unturned in carrying out its mandate of protecting Critical National, State and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure, and in the fight against the buying, selling and transportation of suspected adulterated products.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of their criminal activities, identify other members of the syndicate, and ensure that all those connected with the criminal enterprise are charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The NSCDC Anambra State Command, under my watch, remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led operations, proactive crime prevention strategies, and sustained collaboration with sister security agencies and members of the public.
“The Command appreciates the support of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State; and members of the public in efforts to strengthen ongoing initiatives to combat crime and enhance public safety across the State,” Maku added.
The Command therefore urges residents of Anambra State to continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information that will help decisively tackle this menace.
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