The ongoing clampdown on oil thieves and pipeline vandals by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command has yielded breakthroughs with the arrest two suspected smugglers and seizure of no fever than 150 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), it was learnt at the weekend.
The Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Mr Yusuf Imam, disclosed this in Uyo on Saturday said the suspects were arrested along the waterways of Akwa Ibom, “following intelligence by the Marine Unit of the command that the suspects were conveying the products in a wooden boats to neighbouring Cameroon.”
He said: “The Marine Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command has arrested two suspects and impounded 150 drums of Premium Motor Spirit conveyed in a large wooden boat on the high sea in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the NSCDC Marine Squad led by Jamilu Mohammed Adamu , hit the waterways with the Corps’ gunboat, chased and intercepted the boat very close to the Atlantic Ocean, while attempting to smuggle petrol into Cameroon.”
“It’s not going to be business as usual in my time. I am here to work, and you can expect to see more of this as we will make Akwa Ibom State a living hell for vandals, illegal bunkerers and oil thieves.” He said.
He explained that the NSCDC under the leadership of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, “will not relent in the fight against oil theft, which has robbed the country of enormous revenue.”
The commandant who disclosed that the suspects would be charged to Court as soon as investigations were concluded, enjoined the civil society, traditional institutions, community based organisations and youths to partner with the Corps through intelligence sharing to ensure safety Maritime security and safety of the riverine environment.