NSCDC Arrests Crude Oil Thieves In Abia, Recovers 20,000 Litres Of AGO
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested four suspects for alleged vandalism, crude oil theft, and economic sabotage.
A statement by CSC Babawale Afolabi, the
National Public Relations Officer for NSCDC, noted that the operation was carried out by Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS).
Afolabi stated that the CG’s SIS acted on sustained intelligence, which led to the arrest of the suspects at Agric Waterside Camp, Umuorie, in the Obuzor/Asa axis of Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State.
The CG’s SIS boss, Commandant Appolos Dandaura, revealed that his operatives were strategically deployed to dismantle ongoing illegal local refining activities in the region.
“Upon arrival at the location, four suspects were apprehended,” Dandaura said. “Preliminary interviews conducted at the crime scene revealed that they have been deeply involved in siphoning crude oil after vandalizing pipelines.”
He further disclosed how the suspects confessed to their illicit activities, and explained that they broke the pipelines, connected hoses or galvanized pipes, buried them underground, and channeled the stolen crude to their makeshift reservoirs, refining pots, and storage tanks.
During the raid, the NSCDC operatives also uncovered various illegal refining setups, including multiple cooking ovens with capacities ranging from two to three drums, and separate reservoirs for storing adulterated diesel and kerosene.
The arrested suspects were identified as, Friday Akpan Ability (26 years), Ifeanyi Possible Ojike (36 years), Ernest Odoli Onah (30 years) and Happy Nnamdi (23 years).
Exhibits recovered from the crime scene are; Large quantities of stolen crude oil concealed in cellophane bags, Over 20,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), Metal and plastic buckets, and Shovels, galvanized pipes, clothing, slippers, and funnels.
Dandaura reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to eradicate oil theft and protect national assets, while emphasising that the suspects will face prosecution after a conclusion of investigations.
NSCDC Arrests Crude Oil Thieves In Abia, Recovers 20,000 Litres Of AGO is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
