The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, says it has arrested four suspects and impounded two trucks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), diesel.
Parading the suspects on Thursday in Akure, the new State Commandant of NSCDC, Hammed Abodunrin, said the arrests were made possible through credible information and sustained intelligence by the Anti-Vandal Unit of the command.
Abodunrin said the suspects could not present the necessary licences authorising them to deal in petroleum products.
According to him, thorough investigation is ongoing; the suspects will be charged to court appropriately, if found culpable.
He, however, warned the perpetrators of vandalism, operators of illegal refineries, and other criminals, to desist from such practices or relocate out of the state.
“The nation has enough problems, we don’t want anybody to compound it by selling adulterated products to unsuspecting members of the public which could be dangerous.
“So, I just want to sound note of warning that NSCDC in the state will not tolerate any act of illegality,” Abodunrin said.
According to him, NSCDC in the state will continue to synergise with other sister agencies to curb criminal activities in the state.
He, therefore, called on members of the public to continue to give NSCDC information on any kind of suspicious activities so that the society could be free from crimes and criminality.
Abodunrin assured the public not to be panic, and has confidence in NSCDC, promising that lives and property of the citizenry would be protected.
“I don’t want people to be panic unnecessarily whether about banditry, kidnapping or destruction of property; I can assure you that civil defence will be on ground always,” he said.