The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has uncovered a significant illegal oil refining operation within a forest in Odagwa Community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The site, consisting of more than 10 illegal refineries, was found to contain an estimated 500,000 liters of crude oil stored in approximately 50 illegally constructed reservoirs. Additionally, five suspects involved in the illicit activity were apprehended.
According to Olufemi Ayodele, spokesperson for the NSCDC, Rivers State Command, 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 full legal consequences regardless of their sponsors.
The suspects, identified as Favour Chukwu (29), Desmond Umeh (25), Godwin Amos (22), Bineace Galion (38), and Goodnews David (23), are currently under investigation and will be prosecuted accordingly.
Meanwhile, Basil Igwebueze, Commandant of the NSCDC, Rivers State Command, condemned the brazen actions of those involved in tapping into oil wells belonging to Heirs Energies Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. He stressed that the NSCDC would destroy the illegal site to prevent further illicit activities.
The uncovering of this operation underscores the NSCDC’s determination to combat crude oil theft and protect national assets. A thorough investigation is underway to apprehend all individuals involved in this criminal activity, with no compromises in bringing them to justice.
