The Nigerian Army has seized over 680,000 litres of adulterated diesel, kerosene and “black oil,” an official said.
Brig.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwahia, Chief of Staff of Nigerian Army 6 Division Port Harcourt, spoke at a formal handover of 17 trucks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Igbinomwahia said that the products, if supplied to the public may have led to explosions and possible deaths.
He explained that the trucks and petroleum products were seized after troops raided an abandoned compound formerly used by Union Dicot Salt Company in Port Harcourt.
According to him, illegal bunkers used the illegal refining facility to store and deliver substandard petroleum products to unsuspecting users.
“The 17 trucks had been in our custody since Oct. 2 it was seized to enable investigators to determine the authenticity of the petroleum products.
“Our investigators after carrying out thorough preliminary investigation on the matter came to the conclusion that the petroleum products were illegally refined.
Igbinomwanhia said each truck was loaded with about 40,000 litres of adulterated petroleum products awaiting distribution to the public before there seizure.
The officer said the seizure was made by the division’s Special Company that was specifically set up to checkmate activities of illegal bunkers in the state.
“We have concluded our preliminary investigation, and as such, the trucks and other exhibits will be handed over to EFFC for further probe of the case.
“The division is in forefront of fighting criminals who are hell bent to sabotage the nation’s economy through there illegal bunkering and vandalism of pipelines,” he said.
Igbinomwanhia said the division’s special task force had so far seized over 300 suspected illicit trucks and vehicles that were currently in different stages of investigation.
Receiving the trucks and products, Mr Abdulhamid Bawa, Head of Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Management Directorate of the anti-graft agency, said the commission would conduct speedy investigation into the matter.
“The petroleum products will be sent to the Department of Petroleum Resources to determine if the product is genuine or adulterated.
“If the product is genuine, then there is no case; but if found to be illegally refined then the owners of the trucks would be arraigned in court,” he assured. (NAN)