The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a massive illegal refinery site and arrested three suspects in the Odagwa community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, which lasted several hours, was carried out by the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar. The squad discovered a site in the forest where criminals were illegally siphoning crude oil after destroying the manifold of a multinational oil company.
The NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze, disclosed that the operation was part of the CG’s determination to wage a continuous war against illegal dealings in petroleum products, oil theft, vandalism of oil pipelines, and economic sabotage.
Igwebueze stated that the CG’s SIS has dismantled over 350 illegal bunkering sites in the Niger Delta area and arrested hundreds of suspects who have been prosecuted in court. He noted that the fight against illegal bunkering requires a collective effort and consciousness, especially considering the environmental degradation, pollution, and health hazards it causes.
The illegal bunkering site was dismantled, and three suspects were arrested while others escaped into the forest.
The NSCDC has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure and will continue to fight against oil theft, vandalism, and illegal dealings in petroleum products without compromise.
