The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have apprehended three suspects engaged in the diversion and siphoning of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, in Akwa Ibom State.
Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, the State Commandant of NSCDC, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Uyo over the weekend.
He revealed that the arrests were made in response to complaints from product owners regarding theft and diversion of LPG.
The command deployed officers and mounted surveillance, apprehending the suspects in the act on January 24.
The suspects were caught circumventing the proper outlet process for discharging LPG, instead discharging the product into 25kg and 50kg cylinders without considering the potential dangers involved.
He said, “Following complaints and intelligence from product owners of theft and diversion of LPG and the inherent danger in the siphoning process, officers of the Corps were deployed and eventually caught the suspects right in the act along Port Harcourt expressway.”
Eluwade stated that the suspects have confessed to their actions, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against them. Efforts are also underway to identify and apprehend those who patronise such illegal activities.
“The scar on the environment as a result of mining is scary. It will be worse if we do nothing about it, hence, the reason we are here is to sensitise and talk to ourselves,” Eluwade said.
He added that anyone caught engaging in illegal mining will face the full force of the law.
Eluwade reminded miners that mineral resources are under the Exclusive Legislative List, belonging to the Federal Government, and obtaining a license is required for any mining activity.
The NSCDC Akwa Ibom command, according to Eluwade, is intensifying efforts to bring order to mining activities in the state to ensure environmental safety.
“Mineral resources are under the Exclusive legislative list, as such, they belong to the Federal Government; so also is the license to mine any minerals,” he added.
