NSCDC Busts New Illegal Oil Refining Operations In Rivers State, Apprehends Suspects

NSCDC Busts New Illegal Oil Refining Operations In Rivers State, Apprehends Suspects

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the arrest of nine individuals suspected of oil theft in Rivers State. This information was disclosed by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, in a press release issued on Monday in Abuja.

According to the release, the suspects were apprehended at an unauthorized refinery situated in a forested area on the border between Rivers and Abia states. Afolabi detailed that the individuals were caught in the act of illegally refining stolen crude oil extracted from a vandalized wellhead.

“We apprehended nine suspects engaged in the illegal refining of stolen crude oil. Additionally, we uncovered the construction of a local refinery with the capacity to produce 60,000 litres of crude oil at once,” Afolabi stated.

At the scene, the NSCDC discovered extensive illegal bunkering operations, including large hoses and galvanized metal pipes used to transfer the stolen crude oil through various processing channels.

The identities of the arrested suspects were revealed as follows: Oghene Wede (32), Moses James (25), Chidi Nwosu (53), Samuel John (24), Emmanuel Paul (20), Oghenevo Nwebi (43), Martina WhinnyPeter (38), Nwabuchi Nwogu (41), and David Okere (20).

Afolabi confirmed that investigations are underway and that the suspects will face charges in court. He also noted that the illegal site comprised over 15 modular ovens, four fabricated reservoirs, and 30 excavated pits for storing processed Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

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