NSCDC uncovers massive illegal oil bunkering site, arrests 5 suspects in Rivers
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has uncovered a massive illegal oil refining site in a forest at Odagwa Community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The site consists of over 10 illegal refineries with an estimated 500,000 litres of crude oil stored in about 50 illegally constructed reservoirs. Furthermore, five suspects were apprehended while engaging in this illicit activity.
The spokesperson for the NSCDC, Rivers State Command, Olufemi Ayodele, disclosed these details while parading the suspects and leading journalists around the site on Monday. He emphasized that the discovery was made based on credible intelligence.
Ayodele quoted the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, who reiterated the agency's commitment to fighting economic sabotage. Audi mandated the Special Intelligence Squad to be thorough and results-oriented in their operations.
Ayodele further detailed, “Based on credible intelligence, the CG’s SIS swung into action and uncovered 10 illegal local refineries in a forest located at Odagwa Community in Etche LGA of Rivers State where five suspects were caught in the act of illegally refining crude oil."
He continued, “While conducting an operational tour across the large thick forest, about 10 different cooking pots of 50,000 litres capacity were seen with one big pumping machine, receiver tanks, 25 rubber hoses used for pumping crude oil and many long galvanised pipes with unquantified litres of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) stored in six large reservoirs and other 20 smaller reservoirs drugged in the ground.”
The suspects, identified as Favour Chukwu, 29; Desmond Umeh, 25; Godwin Amos, 22; Bineace Galion, 38; and Goodnews David, 23, are currently undergoing further investigation and will face prosecution.
In response to the incident, the Commandant of the NSCDC, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze, condemned the "unrepentant" act by these "unscrupulous elements." He highlighted their tapping into oil well heads and illicit processing of crude oil without authorization. Igwebueze assured that the site would be dismantled to prevent a recurrence of such illegal activities.
He stated, “The uncovering of this massive illegal oil bunkering site is a landmark achievement and an indication that the NSCDC, as the lead agency in the protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure, will continue to combat crude oil theft with renewed vigor.”
Igwebueze also stressed the commencement of a thorough investigation to uncover the masterminds behind the scene and ensure all involved parties, including sponsors or cartels, face legal consequences without compromise.
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