By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Nigeria Security & Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command has arrested eight filling stations Managers, and also sized two tankers for illegal diversion of petroleum product in the state metropolis.
NSCDC State Commandant, Modu Bunu made this known while briefing journalists on the operational activities of the Command in Kaduna, North-west Nigeria.
He said the managers arrested were believed to be among saboteurs who are frustrating government’s efforts by selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) above approved pump price of N87 per liter; adding that, the command in collaboration with Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) are embarking on monitoring of distribution exercise of petroleum installations in various distribution outlets, so as to address the current fuel scarcity among other challenges in the petroleum sector.
“In view of the biting fuel scarcity leading to long queues across the Nation and the urgent need to end it, the Kaduna Command of NSCDC has stepped out measures to check-mate petroleum dealers who indulge in selling over the approved pump price to black-marketers beyond official hours which is from 0600hrs to 2000hrs,” he noted.
Bunu pointed out that, the suspects (managers of filling stations) have been released on bail after signing an undertaking, but further investigation would be carried out on the issue.
On the seized tankers with Registration Numbers: ZAR 84 XR and ZAR 85 XR, containing suspected fuel, the Commandant said investigation has confirmed that the tankers belonged to an oil magnate in Warri, Delta State – meant to be taken to Kano, but wondered why it was being diverted to another company (name withheld) in Kaduna metropolis before it was intercepted by NSCDC surveillance team.
He also noted that, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has requested the NSCDC to support it in enforcing that sales of petroleum product is restricted from 6.00am to 8.00pm pending an improvement in the situation which has caused untold hardship on Nigerians.
