- The operation was initiated based on confidential information regarding an illegal auto lubricant manufacturer
- The unauthorized company was concealed inside a residential house, not meeting industrial standards
In Oyo State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken action to close down an unregistered company engaged in the production of counterfeit car lubricants. Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), released a statement in Abuja on Thursday, detailing the operation.
Mr. Afolabi explained that the sealing of the manufacturing facility was conducted by a specialized intelligence squad under the command of the NSCDC’s Commandant General.
This action was prompted by confidential information received by the squad, which revealed the illicit activities of an unauthorized auto lubricant manufacturing firm specializing in the large-scale production of counterfeit Automated Transmission Fluid (ATF).
“The production location is very remote and deceptive because the so-called company was located inside a residential house, which does not meet the industrial standard.
“This is where the production, packaging and sales as established brand lubricants to unsuspecting oil users takes place,” he said.
According to the statement, one suspect who claimed to be the company’s manager was arrested at the point of interception, while efforts are ongoing to track down other accomplices who are now at large.
The corps spokesman said over 2500, one-litre containers of adulterated ATF oil, metal drums used for storage were impounded.
“Also impounded were adulterated grease oil, large quantity of chemicals used in the production of the adulterated oil, five industrial machines, amongst other items.