NSCDC, DPR Confiscates 1,900 Expired Gas Cylinders In Kaduna

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says it has seized no fewer than 1,900 expired Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and arrested eight suspects in Kaduna metropolis.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Kaduna, Orndiir Terzungwe made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday.

Terzungwe said the raid was conducted in partnership with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in a bid to forestall disasters arising from further explosion of gas cylinders.

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“The NSCDC command in collaboration with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has commenced evacuation of decommissioned LPG gas cylinders in the state.

“So far, the exercise has witnessed the retrieval of no fewer than 1,931 decommissioned cylinders and eight suspects have been arrested from three different locations in the metropolis,” Terzungwe said.

He explained that the investigation of the suspects has commenced.

“It has been uncovered that decommissioned (expired) cylinders which are perforated and disposed of by Total were been refurbished by welders and sold back to unsuspecting persons,” he added.

Terzungwe quoted DPR Northwest Coordinator, Isah Tafida as saying that using expired gas cylinders was akin to keeping a bomb and detonator at home.

He said that Tafida who visited NSCDC state Commandant, Babangida  Dutsinma, said they would continue to partner in curtailing sharp practices in the industry and safeguard lives and properties.

Terzungwe added that the operation would continue across the state, with the support of Kaduna Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a gas explosion on Jan. 4, in Sabon-Tasha Kaduna, led to the death of seven persons including a Professor of Physics. (NAN)