The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has seized a truck loaded with 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Anambra State and arrested a 46-year-old suspect accused of attempting to evade arrest and assault security personnel during an intelligence-led operation.
The suspect, identified as Sunday Ukeh, was apprehended on Sunday along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway at Amansea, Awka, after allegedly refusing to stop for inspection and leading operatives of the Corps’ Anti-Vandalism Squad on a chase before he was intercepted.
The operation was carried out at about 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, by the NSCDC Anti-Vandalism Squad led by Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Nwosu Christian. Acting on intelligence, the team intercepted the truck on suspicion that it was conveying adulterated petroleum products.
Speaking on the development on Monday, the Head of Media and Tactical Operations of the NSCDC Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, said operatives flagged down the truck based on reasonable suspicion of involvement in adulterated petroleum products racketeering.
According to him, the suspect allegedly ignored the officers’ directive to stop and instead attempted to drive through the security personnel, almost running over members of the Anti-Vandalism Squad.
“A hot chase ensued and the suspect was successfully intercepted at the Military Checkpoint, Amansea. Upon interception, he made an attempt to assault one of the Anti-Vandal personnel,” Edwin said.
He added that the suspect was subsequently subdued and taken into custody, while preliminary investigations revealed several discrepancies in the waybill accompanying the consignment.
“The truck and its contents have been impounded pending the conclusion of investigations to ascertain the true nature of the petroleum product and determine any further offences that may have been committed,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Commandant of the NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, warned that the Corps would not condone any form of lawlessness or attacks on its personnel while carrying out lawful duties.
“The Command categorically states that any person or group of persons who attack its personnel on lawful duty will face the full weight of the law,” Olatunde warned.
The Commandant also commended members of the Anti-Vandalism Squad for their professionalism, vigilance and restraint during the operation, describing their actions as a reflection of the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and combating illegal activities in the downstream petroleum sector.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations across Anambra State, warning individuals involved in petroleum product adulteration, illegal distribution and other forms of economic sabotage to desist or face prosecution. He also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that would aid efforts to curb crimes in the petroleum sector.