The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has successfully dismantled multiple illegal refining sites within Umelechi Forest, located in the Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
Deputy Commandant, Appolos Dandaura, Commander of the Special Intelligence Squad, confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals in connection with the alleged oil bunkering activities.
He attributed the operation’s success to sustained and credible intelligence, revealing that economic saboteurs were conducting illicit activities deep within the forest of Umelechi/Obiapu Communities.
“Our operatives were strategically positioned due to the tenacity of the operation. Large quantities of siphoned crude oil were discovered in locally fabricated cooking ovens, prepared for refining into Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), with some already refined into DPK and AGO and stored in GP Tanks, cellophane bags, and sacks,” stated Dandaura.
The operation led to the seizure of various exhibits, including Kemade KM8500E2 and FIRMAN FPG8800E2 power generating sets, a ROBIN EY20 pumping machine, IN4000, new rolls of hoses, galvanized metal pipes, shovels, head flashlights, several cellophane bags, four bags of cement, a hammer, clothing, and shoes.
Dandaura assured the public that a thorough investigation would determine the involvement level of the suspects, namely: Chimaza Okwudilli (35), Nwachi Anthony (24), Solomon Ikechi (24), Cletus Michael (27), Kator Mbatsavmpuur (21), Emmanuel Abbia (19), Benson Vitalis (18), Tamarakru Diebeketeme (53), Esther Chukwu (25), Mary Barnabas (45), Lydia Newton (46), Ngozi Nwagnara (48), Ann Agu (33), and Ahmed Usman (45).
“The 14 suspects will be brought before a court of competent jurisdiction. Our commitment to combating illegal petroleum activities remains unwavering, as the NSCDC is dedicated to safeguarding critical infrastructure and prosecuting oil thieves and their sponsors,” he concluded.
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