ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered and dismantled a massive illegal bunkering site in the Odagwa community, Etche local government area of Rivers State.
This operation was executed by the Special Intelligence Squad, established by the corps’ Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
According to Audi, it will enhance the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, the command’s spokesperson, SP Olufemi Ayodele, detailed the extensive operation.
He stated that the operatives took four hours to navigate and tour the massive forest area where the illegal activities were being conducted.
Ayodele emphasized the Commandant-General’s commitment to combating illegal petroleum activities, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and all forms of economic sabotage.
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He highlighted that the special squad had dismantled over 350 illegal bunkering sites in the Niger Delta region within a short period, arresting and prosecuting hundreds of suspects.
During the recent operation, the squad apprehended three suspects, while others fled, taking advantage of the forest terrain.
Ayodele described how a large multinational’s manifold was breached through a broken fence, with large industrial hoses used to siphon crude oil, which was then transmitted through metal pipes to cooking pots and stored in reservoirs for sale.
“Having walked through this thick forest, you have practically seen how the manifold and oil wellhead were vandalized by unscrupulous elements.
“They tapped into the source and buried the hoses and pipes underground.
“As soon as the pumping starts, they commence their nefarious operations, refining crude oil to produce Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and other products”, Ayodele explained.
Ayodele stressed the importance of collective will and consciousness in fighting illegal bunkering, noting the severe environmental degradation, pollution, and health hazards caused by such activities.
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He called on locals and stakeholders to cease operations of illegal refineries to mitigate the harm to people and the environment.
Reiterating the commitment of the NSCDC, Ayodele quoted the Commandant-General: “The fight against oil theft, vandalism, and illegal dealings in petroleum products is non-negotiable.
“The NSCDC is fully committed to its statutory mandate of safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure. This we would do relentlessly and without compromise.”