In a significant operation, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully dismantled an illicit manufacturing operation, specializing in the mass production of counterfeit automotive transmission fluid (ATF) and other lubricants. This clandestine facility was operating in the obscure Ponponla village, within the Ido Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State.
National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mr. Babawale Afolabi, officially confirmed this groundbreaking development in a statement released from NSCDC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
The raid, carried out by the Commandant General’s Intelligence Squad, culminated in the shutdown of the unregistered manufacturing company. During the operation, authorities apprehended one suspect, Mr. Adegoke Sunday, aged 41. Intensive efforts are currently underway to track down additional accomplices who have since gone into hiding.
Mr. Afolabi detailed the operation, stating, “On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at approximately 15:35 hours, the CG’s special intelligence squad, acting on credible intelligence, executed a raid on a location in Ponponla village, Gbekuba area, Iddo local government, Oyo State. They uncovered an illicit and adulterated automotive lubricants manufacturing facility.”
The spokesperson emphasized that the location’s remote and deceptive nature was central to the criminal enterprise’s covert operations. The fake lubricant production facility was concealed within a residential house, engaging in the illicit production of engine oil and various lubricants that did not meet mandatory industrial standards.
Afolabi provided further insight into the operation, disclosing that this makeshift factory was responsible for the production, packaging, and distribution of counterfeit auto transmission fluid, greases for automobile engines, gears, and other lubricants. These imitation products were deceptively marketed and sold to unsuspecting consumers as established brand lubricants.
Significant quantities of evidence were seized from the scene, including over 2,500 one-liter containers filled with adulterated ATF oil, metal drums for storage, counterfeit grease oil, substantial quantities of chemicals employed in the production of these counterfeit lubricants, and five industrial machines, among other items.
In light of these findings, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, D. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the immediate closure of the illegal manufacturing facility. The prime suspect, Sunday Adegoke, who identified himself as the manager of the operation, is currently in custody, pending further investigations.
Afolabi concluded by stating, “Samples of all the recovered exhibits mentioned above have also been collected and will be submitted to relevant agencies for in-depth professional analysis.” The NSCDC continues to uphold its commitment to safeguarding public safety and combatting criminal activities that jeopardize the well-being of citizens.
