Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Anambra, has arrested seven suspects with three articulated vehicles, carrying 110, 000 litres of suspected adulterated petroleum products.

Its State Commandant, John Ahwen, said the suspects were arrested between Dec. 15, 2016 and Jan. 21 in the metropolis, expressing concern on the high volume of adulterated petroleum products being peddled in the state.

Ahwen said Anambra does not have pipelines or any depot but the state is one of the hot zones for receiving adulterated petroleum products, especially AGO and PMS.

Unfortunately, the owner of the product escaped arrest and we are still in search of him,” he said.

Ahwen said two male suspects in an articulated Mack Truck marked APR243XA, carrying 45, 000 litres of suspected adulterated AGO, were arrested on Jan. 21 in Onitsha.

He said the command also arrested three male suspects in an articulated vehicle marked AKD493XD, conveying suspected 45, 000 litres of adulterated PMS to an unknown destination on Dec. 16, 2016.

The commandant also added that a short truck marked XS841 AGL, carrying 15, 000 litres of suspected adulterated AGO, was seized while two male suspects were arrested on Dec. 15, 2016.

The commandant, who said investigations were still ongoing, warned that the command would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those who indulged in such nefarious business.

He advised consumers to be cautious of where they bought their petroleum products and should not hesitate to report suspicions cases to the NSCDC for investigation.

Similarly, Ahwen disclosed that two male suspects were currently in court for alleged vandalism of core cables at New Engineering Nigeria Ltd., Agu-Awka on Dec. 15, 2016.

The commandant expressed the determination of the corps to ensure anti-vandalism of water, gas and oil pipelines, telephone lines and masts among other infrastructure.

“The command plans to build and rehabilitate its outpost all over the town to get security nearer to the people.

“We will step up all operations including anti-vandalism, operation Kpochapu and general security patrol,” Ahwen said.

He, however, lauded the State Government for providing patrol vehicles to the command and urged it to facilitate the construction of a befitting office for the command for ease of performing its duties.