oil bunkering : NSCDC uncovers 2 illegal pipeline connection points in Rivers state

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made significant strides in combating illegal bunkering activities, uncovering two illicit sites in Rivers State. CSC Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC spokesperson, revealed this in a statement on Monday, highlighting the locations of the sites at Odagwa-Owaza Riverside boundaries of Rivers and Abia, and another in Etche local government area of Rivers.

The discovery of these illegal bunkering sites was made possible by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGsSIS) following actionable intelligence. According to Afolabi, the illicit connections were established to siphon oil from wellheads, utilizing large hoses laid and concealed underground within dense forest areas.

One site, situated at Odagwa in Etche, saw vandals tampering with manifold valves to siphon crude oil at the Imo River 2 oil and gas flow station operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Commission (NPDC). Despite previous efforts by security agencies to dismantle the operation, the first local refining site had been rebuilt.

During the operation, law enforcement officials seized several exhibits, including a new yellow Robin EY 20 Pumping machine, heavy-duty hoses, over 5,000 liters of locally refined petroleum products packaged in cellophane bags, and approximately 10,000 liters of kerosene (AGO) stored in unconventional containers like a cooking oven. Additionally, tools such as shovels, spades, buckets, and flash headlights were recovered from the scene.

Commander Dandaura Appolos, leading the CG’s SIS, reiterated the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to combat oil theft nationwide. He assured the public that thorough investigations are underway, with suspects in custody cooperating with ongoing inquiries. Appolos emphasized the NSCDC’s mandate to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to fulfilling its statutory duties.