The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), operatives has again successfully busted illegal bunkering of crude oil belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, the directives of the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi to all Commands, Surveillance, Monitoring and Intelligence Units regarding activities of oil thieves are yielding the desired results.
Afolabi said in a statement that operatives of the CG’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit uncovered a massive illegal refining site with over 95,000 illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Otulu Community, Egbema Council area of Imo State.
He added that there were other consignments yet to be refined but already siphoned in large quantities.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the CG’s SIS stormed Otulu Community in Egbema West of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State and discovered an illegal refinery covering a large expanse of land with many cooking pots and illegally connected Pipes tapping from the main Oil Trunk line of NNPC OML 20 assets in Egbema West field; Well 11 location with many fabricated reservoirs, drums and AGO concealed in cellophane bags.
“Upon sighting the resilient and dogged CG’s Special Intelligence Squad the perpetrators took to their heels through the thick forests,” Afolabi said.
He listed exhibits recovered at the crime scene as: Galvanized iron pipes, several locally fabricated metal reservoirs, Constant Elepaq Gasoline Generating Set, Bridge Inverter Welding machine ARC 200, Electrical filing machine, Several vandalized Well Head Valves, a yellow coloured Robin GC pumping machine and packs of electrolyte.
Investigation is ongoing to unravel the perpetrators behind the heinous crime while the exhibits recovered would be forfeited to the federal government after the Court’s order, Afolabi said.
He affirmed the determination of the Corps to relentlessly combat the menace of vandalism and crude oil theft to a standstill across the nation.
This approach serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders and reinforces the message that illegal bunkering will not be tolerated. By imposing tangible consequences for illicit activities, the government sends a clear signal that it is committed to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s oil industry and holding accountable those who seek to undermine it.
The NSCDC’s discovery of an illegal petroleum refinery site in Imo State underscores the ongoing battle against oil theft and illicit refining activities in Nigeria. Through proactive enforcement actions and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the NSCDC remains at the forefront of efforts to safeguard national resources and preserve the integrity of the oil industry.
As the legal process unfolds and perpetrators are brought to justice, it is imperative for all stakeholders to continue working together to address the root causes of illegal bunkering and strengthen regulatory mechanisms. By upholding the rule of law, promoting transparency, and fostering community engagement, Nigeria can mitigate the threat of oil theft and ensure the sustainable management of its natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
