The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has impounded a truck allegedly conveying 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and arrested a suspect, Sunday Ukeh, during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing illegal activities in the petroleum sector.
The Command said the suspect was apprehended on Sunday at Amansea along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka after allegedly attempting to evade arrest and assault operatives of its Anti-Vandalism Squad.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of Media and Tactical Operations of the NSCDC Anambra State Command, Edwin Okadigbo.
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According to the statement, the operation was carried out at about 11:00 a.m. by officers led by CSC Nwosu Christian following credible intelligence on suspected petroleum product racketeering.
Okadigbo said the truck was intercepted on reasonable suspicion that it was transporting adulterated petroleum products. However, the driver allegedly refused to stop when flagged down and instead attempted to drive through the security personnel, nearly running over members of the enforcement team.
“A hot chase ensued, and the suspect was successfully intercepted at the Military Checkpoint, Amansea. Upon interception, he made an attempt to assault one of the Anti-Vandal personnel,” the statement said.
The Command identified the suspect as Sunday Ukeh, a native of Odume in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Following his arrest, the suspect was taken into custody while the truck and its contents were impounded pending further investigations.
Preliminary findings, according to the NSCDC, revealed inconsistencies in the waybill presented by the suspect, raising additional concerns over the authenticity of the consignment.
“The suspect was subsequently subdued and taken into custody. Preliminary investigation indicates several discrepancies in the waybill presented by the suspect. Both the truck and the product have been impounded for further investigation,” the statement added.
The Command warned that it would not tolerate attacks on its personnel while carrying out lawful duties, stressing that anyone found obstructing or assaulting officers would face prosecution.
The State Commandant also commended members of the Anti-Vandalism Squad for their professionalism and vigilance, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against fuel adulteration and other illegal activities in the petroleum sector across Anambra State.
