Rivers State Crude Oil Crime Cracked: NSCDC Seizes 70,000 Litres In Major Recovery Operation

In a statement released on Monday, March 31, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Afolabi Babawale, provided details of the operation. Babawale explained that the seizure was part of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) initiative aimed at combating pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other illicit petroleum-related activities in the Niger Delta.

He revealed that the CGS SIS responded swiftly to an intelligence tip-off, leading to the recovery of a large caravan truck fitted with a tank filled with illegally siphoned crude oil.

The truck, identified as a red-head and navy-blue container truck with 10 tyres (Reg. No. AGL574XY), was intercepted at the Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt. The truck was fully loaded with crude oil illegally extracted from vandalized wellheads and damaged pipelines.

However, the suspects aboard the truck fled the scene as the operatives approached. An investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those behind the economic sabotage.

Babawale confirmed that the stolen crude oil, along with the truck, would be subject to legal forfeiture following the investigation. The proceeds from the sale of the recovered assets will be deposited into the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).

The CGS SIS Commander emphasized that the squad remains committed to tackling oil theft and bringing those involved to justice, ensuring thorough prosecution after investigations.