NNPC commends NDLEA over N2bn cannabis bust, disowns truck

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for intercepting a truck reportedly conveying 2,145kg of cannabis in Ondo State.

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NNPC Ltd., in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Andy Odeh, said the intercepted truck was not owned by the company.

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PUNCH Online correspondent who retrieved the release from the group’s website noted that Odeh said preliminary checks showed that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither part of NNPC Ltd.’s official fleet nor that of any of its authorised dealers.

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He said the logo displayed on the truck was also inconsistent with NNPC Ltd.’s current official branding and that the vehicle was not listed in the company’s asset database.

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“NNPC Ltd. is also engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of the Company’s old branding on the vehicle.

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“NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity,” he said.

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Odeh said the company remained committed to protecting its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers were not misused.

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He said NNPC Ltd. would continue to cooperate with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies to establish the ownership and operation of the vehicle.

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The spokesman said the company also supported a thorough investigation into how its markings came to be displayed on the truck.

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He added that NNPC Ltd. was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring protocols and would take appropriate measures, including legal action where warranted.

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Odeh urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC Ltd. through official channels.

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He reiterated the company’s commendation of the NDLEA for its vigilance and sustained efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

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