Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Abia State command of the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested four operators of illegal refinery and impounded seven vehicles at Obiakpu, Obuzo-Asa, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.
The command also destroyed a local refinery in the process.
Disclosing this to newsmen, the state commandant, Usman Alfadarai, said the breakthrough followed a sustained 48-hour surveillance mounted by his men within the area.
He restated the commitment of the command to end all forms of vandalism of public infrastructure, illegal dealing in petroleum products, and related economic sabotage in the state.
Describing the site as an “axis of illegality and economic sabotage,” the commandant assured that such refineries would no longer be allowed to operate in the state under his stewardship.
“We’re here today (Friday) to fully demonstrate our resolve to take the fight to the doorsteps of the economic saboteurs,” Alfadarai said.
He said the operation was in line with the directive of the commandant-general of the corps, Ahmed Audi, “who has sworn to leave no stone unturned in pursuing the corps’ mandate.”
He disclosed that the suspects, aged between 17 to 28, would be charged to court for prosecution at the conclusion of investigations.
He however called for more information from the public to enable his command tackle activities of criminals in the state.