Agents from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have seized a tanker transporting 45,000 litres of illicit petroleum. The state commandant, Geraldine Abetianbe, reported during a Friday press conference that three individuals were taken into custody following a tip-off.
On June 23 at approximately 1:00 PM, officers stopped the tanker in the Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The vehicle was reportedly carrying ethanol obtained through unauthorized channels. Upon inspection, the documents provided by the suspects contained multiple inconsistencies, and follow-up checks confirmed that the stated origin of the cargo was fraudulent.
Commandant Abetianbe condemned the trade of illegal petroleum as economic sabotage. She noted that such activities rob the state of essential revenue, increase the risk of dangerous explosions, and threaten overall security. The NSCDC has vowed to continue its efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure against such illicit operations.
