NSCDC apprehends 12 petroleum marketers for removing NMDPRA seals in Kogi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 12 petroleum marketers in various locations across Kogi State for unlawfully removing the seals of the Nigeria Mainstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

NSCDC spokesperson for the Kogi Command, Alex Agiri, confirmed the arrests on Friday, revealing that the offenders were captured in Lokoja, Idah, Ankpa, Dekina, and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas.

PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that these arrests were made as NSCDC operatives diligently monitored the activities of petroleum marketers whose filling stations had recently been sealed by NMDPRA due to illegal operations.

The NMDPRA had earlier disclosed that a total of 96 filling stations within the state were operating with expired licenses. In June alone, 50 of these stations were promptly sealed by the regulatory authority.

Mr. Ogbe Godwin, the State Coordinator of NMDPRA, expressed concern over some marketers resorting to consistent harassment of his surveillance team, emphasizing the need for adherence to proper procedures for licensing and document submission.

The NSCDC Commandant for Kogi State, CC Ahmad Gandi, is committed to ensuring that the arrested petroleum marketers face the full consequences of their actions, assured Agiri.

To encourage compliance, Godwin urged all marketers to follow the approved channels for licensing and diligently submit all required documents for their storage and sales facilities.

He noted that as of this week, 46 marketers had already renewed their licenses online and uploaded the necessary documents to ensure their registration compliance with NMDPRA.