The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has dismantled several illegal local refining sites in Umelechi Forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The CG’ SIS Commander, Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura said
14 Suspects were arrested in the clampdown in connection with the alleged crime.
He said the success of the sting operation was hinged on sustained and credible Intelligence which revealed that economic saboteurs were carrying out illegal bunkering activities inside a very thick forest at Umelechi/Obiapu Communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
He said: “Our operatives were strategically positioned due to the tenacity of the operation large quantities of already siphoned crude oil were loaded inside locally fabricated cooking ovens in readiness for refining into Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) while some had been refined into DPK and AGO both stored in GP Tanks, Cellophane bags and many sacks”
He added that: “The Squad also sighted and marked the following as exhibits: Kemade KM8500E2 Power Generating Set, FIRMAN FPG8800E2, ROBIN EY20 PUMPING MACHINE, IN4000, 3 New Roll of Hoses, Galvanized metal pipes, Shovels, Head flashlights, Several cellophane bags, 4 Bags of Cement, Hammer, Clothing and Shoes.
“Let me assure the public that thorough investigation would be carried out to ascertain the level of involvement of the following suspects: Chimaza Okwudilli (M) 35years, Nwachi Anthony (M) 24years, Solomon Ikechi (M) 24years, Cletus Michael (M) 27years, Kator Mbatsavmpuur (M) 21 years, Emmanuel Abbia (M) 19years, Benson Vitalis (M) 18years, Tamarakru Diebeketeme (M) 53 years, Esther Chukwu (F) 25years, Mary Barnabas (F) 45 years, Lydia Newton (F) 46 years, Ngozi Nwagnara (F) 48years, Ann Agu (F) 33years and Ahmed Usman (M) 45years”.
He further assured that: “The 14 suspects would thereafter have their time in Court of competent Jurisdiction; Our determination to wage relentless war against illegal dealings in Petroleum Products remains unwavering as the NSCDC is committed fully to safeguarding all critical infrastructure and prosecution of oil thieves and their sponsors who vowed not to repent from such unscrupulous acts”
