NSCDC Dismantles Illegal Local Refineries In Abia, Arrests Perpetrators

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) in strategic surveillance and tactical operations has clamped down on illegal bunkers sabotaging the nation’s economy through alleged involvement in illegal petroleum product dealings in Obiapu forest, Ukwa West, Abia State, according to NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Babawale stated that in an interview with the Corps’ Correspondents, the CG SIS Commander, Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura, told journalists that the four suspects were members of the notorious Syndicate, which operates and controls multiple artisanal oil refineries in a thick forest in Ukwa West, Abia State.

He also hinted that the four suspects were apprehended in possession of stolen crude oil, locally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and some instruments used in the unlawful act.

He noted that the Squad proceeded to dismantle and destroy several illegal connection points to oil pipelines where crude oil was syphoned.

He stated that: “The following suspects were arrested at the crime scene:
Oluchi Ibuh, a 39-year-old female adult from Anambra State; Michael Isaac (M), 31, of Edo State; Chioma Osioma, 32, of Imo State; and Ebere Chike, 32, of Anambra State.

“Exhibits discovered at the crime scene include galvanised pipes for trucking and pumping stolen crude oil, heavy-duty industrial hoses for stealing and syphoning crude oil, large quantities of stolen crude oil stored in fabricated tanks, local cooking pots, pit reservoirs, calibrated plastic surface tanks, and numerous cellophane bags used for packaging and conveyance. Unquantifiable litres of illegally refined AGO, as well as metal buckets and shovels.”

He stated that the suspects are assisting us with the investigation and will be charged in a court of competent jurisdiction.