Akwa Ibom petroleum marketers hail NSCDC for arresting oil thieves

• The state chairman, Sam Osung, commended the operatives for their bravery in a statement in Uyo on Thursday, expressing a commitment to collaborate with the agency to curb the menace of oil theft in the state
  

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Petroleum marketers, represented by the Natural Oil and Gas Supplier Association of Nigeria, have lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State command, in apprehending suspected oil thieves.

The NSCDC operatives arrested six individuals posing as a Joint Security Tax Force, intercepting 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) along Calabar-Itu Highway on Monday.

The state chairman, Sam Osung, commended the operatives for their bravery in a statement in Uyo on Thursday, expressing a commitment to collaborate with the agency to curb the menace of oil theft in the state.

The statement read, “Sequel to the news of the arrest and detention of a few members of the syndicate infiltrating Akwa Ibom State with adulterated petroleum products and other illicit vices in the petroleum industry, we commend the uncompromising disposition of the NSCDC and their gallant operations that led to the apprehension of the perpetrators.

“It is surprising the extent the suspected syndicate can go by way of impersonating the security Joint Taskforce just to mislead and see the the successful smuggling of illegally procured petroleum products to Akwa Ibom State.

“As critical stakeholders in the downstream supply and distribution chain, we commend the efforts of NSCDC and implore other relevant agencies to save the state from this menace by apprehending individuals in this endemic conducts

“We will always partner with the NSCDC and other relevant agencies to stop this menace as their inhuman act robbed off on our integrity as legitimate dealers in the petroleum industry.

“Members of the public are interested in seeing to the conclusion and possible prosecution of the perpetrators if eventually found culpable.

“It’s our belief that with intentionality and proficient efforts of the NSCDC the industry will be rid of all unwholesome practice and illicit vices in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria”