Four suspects are in Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps net over illegal refinery operation in the state on Wednesday.
Parading the four suspects arrested at the site of the infamous illegal refineries, the State Commandant, Usman Ishaq Alfadarai described the arrest as “a major boost in the overall fight against all forms of vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, illegal dealing in petroleum products and related economic sabotage against our nation, Nigeria”.
Alfadarai said his men made the arrest following a fourty-eight-hour sustained surveillance mounted by his Men within and around the Obiakpu, Obuzo – Asa in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, Nigeria, and praised his Men for displaying gallantry and professionalism which enabled the successful coordination of the operation.
Conducting newsmen round the locations of the illegal refineries which he described as “axis of Ilegality and Economic sabotage”, the Commandant assured that such illegal business will no longer be allowed to operate under his stewardship.
“We are here today to fully demonstrate our resolve to take the fight to the door steps of the economic saboteurs. The directives of the Commandant General, CG Ahmed Abububakar Audi against all forms of vandalism of Critical National Assets, illegal dealings in Petroleum products and related crimes are being strictly complied with.
“This move which comes barely one week I took over as the Abia State Commandant is a strong statement to the vandals to either turn a new leave or relocate from the State as the Corps will not give any inch if respite to the enemies of Nigerian economy to operate”, Alfadarai said.
The State Commandant used the opportunity to thank the general public for their confidence in NSCDC in the State which he said has been instrumental to the useful information being availed to the Corps and encouraged them to do more in that regard, assuring that every information received shall be treated with utmost sense of confidentiality.
He however called on the traditional rulers to do more in educating their subjects on the dangers of tampering with the petroleum products pipelines and report suspicious members of their community to security agencies.
Upon interrogation, the suspects gave their names as Okechukwu Pleasure (m) (24yrs) from Obehie Asa Ukwa West LGA, Odom Unoy (M) (29) from Ozuaku Oboho Asa, Ukwa West LGA, Godstime Friday (M) (28) from Obehie Asa, Ukwa West LGA and Chukwuemeka Sunday (M) (17) from Umunka villy in Ugwunagbo LGA all in Abia State.
The State Commandant further assured that upon conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged to a Court of Competent jurisdiction for prosecution.
