Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has returned the 50,000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) hitherto diverted to neighbouring Imo State back to the oil marketer who placed an order for it.
Business Post had reported that the NSCDC in Rivers State arrested two suspects over attempted diversion of petroleum products to neighbouring states without an appropriate licence.
“The anti-vandal border patrol team swung into action and impounded a blue and white colour 50,000 litres capacity truck with registration number Abia EZA 850 YF in the conveyance of PMS,” the defence corp noted last week.
In the latest development, a preliminary investigation, according to NSCDC, showed that the product’s waybill, which was loaded at Conoil Depot in Port Harcourt, stated that the product should be delivered at Omo Wealth in Ikwerre Local Government. Still, the suspects claimed the waybill was written in error, hence the diversion of the product to Imo State.
Speaking, Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Abu Abdu Tambuwal, said the Corps has returned the product to Omo Wealth Filling Station at Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State, as indicated in the waybill when the product was apprehended while being diverted.
Mr Tambuwal maintained that the overall cooperation of every stakeholder was very pertinent if illegal oil bunkering activities would be put to a stop.
“The diverted 50,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit impounded by the anti-vandal border patrol team has been returned to Omo Wealth Filling Station at Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State as indicated on the waybill at the point of arrest.
“The community dwellers expressed their joy as such pragmatic step taken would prevent long queue of vehicles at the filling stations as it is being experienced currently in some states of the Federation.”
Mr Tambuwal also stated that the Command’s anti-vandal squad has been further directed to increase its operational efficiency by arresting those dealing illegally in petroleum products on waterways, border areas and illegal refineries.
“The anti-vandal squad has been ordered to carry out massive arrests and dismantle oil bunkering dumpsites across the State and this we will do without compromise or prejudice.
“Therefore, my candid advice is that all perpetrators of illegal dealings in petroleum products must engage themselves in legitimate businesses or risk being arrested and prosecuted according to the provisions of the laws of the federation,” he stated.
