Tanker Driver Detained By NSCDC For Diverting Fuel From Osun NNPC Station

  

Tanker Driver Detained By NSCDC For Diverting Fuel From Osun NNPC StationOperatives from the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested a tanker driver for allegedly diverting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for the NNPC mega station in Osogbo, Osun State. The suspect, 47-year-old Afeez Adegbola, was apprehended on Friday night in Ikirun while attempting to offload fuel into an independent filling station’s reserve tank.

According to NSCDC Commandant Sotiyo Igbalawole, Adegbola had initially loaded 40,000 litres of petrol for delivery to the NNPC mega station but only delivered 30,000 litres. The remaining 10,000 litres were diverted to another filling station.

Igbalawole stated that the arrest reflects the NSCDC’s commitment to combatting fuel diversion and hoarding, which contribute to artificial fuel scarcity. “The tanker driver and his crew loaded 40,000 litres at Pinnacle Distribution Depot in Eleko, Lagos, with instructions to deliver the full amount to the NNPC in Osogbo,” he explained. “However, based on a tip-off, our team tracked the tanker and found that only 30,000 litres had reached the NNPC station while the driver was caught discharging the rest at TEMPOLA filling station in Ikirun.”

The suspects confessed that they were instructed by their company to deliver only 30,000 litres. They face charges under the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act, which carries significant penalties. The NSCDC plans to take the suspects to court following a thorough investigation.

Igbalawole urged stakeholders in petroleum distribution to avoid acts of sabotage, stating that the NSCDC will take decisive action against anyone caught engaging in such practices. He also called on NNPCL managers and supervisors nationwide to collaborate with the NSCDC to ensure that saboteurs are held accountable.