Nigeria: NSCDC Uncovers Massive Illegal Oil Refining Site in Rivers State Forest
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has uncovered a significant illegal oil refining site within a forest in Odagwa Community, located in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. The operation revealed over 10 illegal refineries, containing an estimated 500,000 litres of crude oil stored in about 50 illegally constructed reservoirs. Five suspects engaged in the illegal refining activities were apprehended during the operation.
The NSCDC spokesman for Rivers State Command, Olufemi Ayodele, disclosed this information while parading the suspects and showcasing the site to journalists. The discovery was made based on credible intelligence, and the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, has emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating all forms of economic sabotage. The uncovered site included various equipment used for illegal refining activities, such as cooking pots, pumping machines, rubber hoses, and galvanized pipes.
The arrested suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will face prosecution. The Commandant of the NSCDC, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze, condemned the illicit activities and assured that the site would be destroyed to prevent the perpetrators from returning. He emphasized the NSCDC’s dedication to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, pledging to work closely with other security agencies to combat crude oil theft and sabotage effectively.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the illegal activities, including their sponsors or cartels. The NSCDC remains resolute in its efforts to safeguard the nation’s economy and hold perpetrators of economic sabotage accountable.
