The Special Intelligence Squad of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a large-scale illegal oil refining site in the forest of Odagwa Community, located in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The site, consisting of over 10 illegal refineries, was found to contain approximately 500,000 litres of crude oil stored in about 50 unlawfully constructed reservoirs. During the operation, five suspects engaged in the illicit activity were apprehended.
According to Olufemi Ayodele, the spokesman for the NSCDC in Rivers State, the discovery was made based on credible intelligence. He emphasized the commitment of the NSCDC to combat all forms of economic sabotage, with suspects facing the full force of the law regardless of their backers.
Ayodele also highlighted the directive from the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, urging the Special Intelligence Squad to intensify efforts in tackling such criminal activities.
During the operation, various equipment used for illegal refining, including cooking pots, pumping machines, receiver tanks, rubber hoses, and galvanized pipes, were found across the extensive forest area.
The arrested suspects, identified as Favour Chukwu, Desmond Umeh, Godwin Amos, Bineace Galion, and Goodnews David, are currently undergoing further investigation and will be prosecuted accordingly.
Basil Igwebueze, the Commandant of the NSCDC in Rivers State, condemned the audacious actions of the perpetrators who illegally tapped into oil wellheads belonging to Heirs Energies Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. He vowed to dismantle the illegal refining site to prevent its reactivation.
Igwebueze affirmed the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, pledging to collaborate with other security agencies to curb crude oil theft and protect the nation’s economy from saboteurs. He assured that thorough investigations would be conducted to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in the illicit activities, including their sponsors or syndicates.
