The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two suspects identified as Jonas Nwokpoko and Chinweze Iloh and intercepted a truck loaded with about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Onitsha.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Head of Media and Tactical Operations, SC Okadigbo Edwin, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde, made this known while parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters in Awka, noting that they were arrested on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Commandant Olatunde disclosed that the arrest followed intelligence-led operations initiated by the Command to clamp down on all acts of economic sabotage within the oil and gas industry in the state.
“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad tracked and arrested one Mr. Jonas Nwokpoko, male, aged 52, from Izza South LGA of Ebonyi State, and Chinweze Iloh, male, aged 28, from Omor, Ayamelum LGA, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at about 14:30 hours along Boromeu Road, near Limca Road, Onitsha, with a truck loaded with about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated product.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects were allegedly linked to a criminal syndicate suspected of dealing in adulterated products.The truck was halted for a routine inspection of documents by NSCDC personnel, who insisted on sighting relevant papers, including licences to buy, sell, and convey petroleum products as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act,” he said.
He revealed that the suspects’ inability to produce the required documents led to their arrest and the impoundment of the truck for illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable under Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The Commandant stressed that the activities of vandals constitute economic sabotage, warning that the Corps would leave no stone unturned in carrying out its mandate of protecting critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, as well as combating the illegal sale and transportation of suspected adulterated petroleum products.
He added that investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged criminal activities, identify other members of the syndicate, and ensure that all those connected with the criminal enterprise are charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led operations, proactive crime prevention strategies, and sustained collaboration with sister security agencies and members of the public.
It also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi; the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; and members of the public in strengthening ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety across the state.
The Command urged residents of Anambra State to continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information that would help decisively tackle the menace.
