Nigeria: Driver flees as NSCDC seizes truck with 45,000 liters of adulterated diesel

Officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State have impounded a truck loaded with approximately 45,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) suspected of being adulterated with gas condensates. The seizure occurred during a routine inspection aimed at curbing illegal dealings in petroleum products.

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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 oil pipeline vandalism and illegal dealings in petroleum products across the nation, has impounded a truck suspected of conveying 45,000 litres of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil mixed with gas condensates after the driver fled the scene.

The driver of the truck, upon realizing he was about to be intercepted by the NSCDC team, abandoned the vehicle and its contents and fled the scene. The interception was the result of credible intelligence that led the Anti-Vandalism Squad to track and intercept the truck along Awka Road in Onitsha.

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Upon sighting the NSCDC team, the driver abandoned the truck and the products and fled the scene.

State Commandant Maku Olatunde stated that the operation is part of the command's ongoing efforts to combat oil pipeline vandalism and illegal activities within the oil and gas sector. He assured the public that the seized product would not enter the market and has been moved to the NSCDC State Command Headquarters in Awka for safekeeping and further investigation.

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The command, in ensuring the seized consignment did not find its way into the market, towed the truck and the suspected adulterated product to the State Command Headquarters, Awka, for safe custody and further investigation.

Olatunde reiterated the corps' commitment to eradicating economic sabotage in the oil industry. He confirmed that samples of the suspected adulterated diesel would undergo laboratory analysis. The NSCDC is also actively pursuing the apprehension of the fleeing driver and any potential accomplices involved in the illicit trade. The commandant issued a stern warning to perpetrators, emphasizing that they would face the full force of the law.

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We assure the public that the Command remains committed to strengthening intelligence, surveillance, and joint operations with sister agencies to fish out and bring perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice.