The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi and his Special Intelligence Squad, acting on the marching order of the NSCDC, has dismantled a large dug-out reservoir in Rivers State, as part of the relentless war against illegal dealings in petroleum products perpetrated by economic saboteurs.
The reservoir, according to a press statement made available to the Corporate Online Editors by National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, CSC Babawale Afolabi, can contain 100,000 litres of illegally refined crude oil at a time.
Briefing the media, the Commander CG’S SIS, Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura relayed that Three suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal bunkering activities ongoing at Nembe/Odagwa Creek in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State noted that the Suspects were between the ages of 30 and 42 years.
“Acting on the CG directive, we have relentlessly intensified efforts in combating the menace of Crude oil theft in the Niger Delta which led to the arrest of Mr Friday Faith (M) 30years who hails from Akwa Ibom State, Mr Progress Apogi (M) aged 35 years an indigene of Ukwuani in Delta State and Mr Richard Okoro (M) 42years who hails from Ohaukwu in Ebonyi State”.
“Sighting our operatives, some of the suspects abandoned the illegal bunkering site and took to their heels manoeuvring through the creek. However, the arrested 3 suspects are currently assisting us with the necessary information and after a thorough investigation they will be appropriately charged to Court’.
“While carrying out the operations the following items were sighted as exhibits: 1 large dugout reservoir used for storing siphoned crude oil from a Multinational oil well manifold, Several sizes of rubber hoses used for pumping crude and many metallic galvanized pipes, Calibrated rubber surface tanks, several other surface reservoirs, Buckets, Kegs, funnels used for carrying out their illegal bunkering activities”.
“Let me on this note appreciate our informants and also encourage them not to relent in giving actionable Intelligence that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. Our commitment to rid the nation of all acts of economic sabotage in the oil region remains firm and we will not be deterred even as we advice those engaging in such unscrupulous business to repent or face the full wrath of the law”the Commander stated.