NSCDC uncovers ‘illegal’ refining site in Rivers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has destroyed an “illegal refinery” with more than 100,000 litres of crude oil in Adobi settlement, Etche LGA, Rivers state.

According to a statement by Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC spokesperson, on Saturday, the site was uncovered by the commandant-general’s special intelligence squad (CGsSIS).

In the statement, Dandaura Appolos, commander of the special squad, said the success of the operation was linked to credible intelligence reports.

Apollos said the intelligence had indicated that some suspects vandalised a multinational company’s wellhead.

“We value and protect our informants and the information received is always treated with caution, confidentiality and prompt alertness,” Apollos said.

He said on getting to the site, it was discovered that the suspects had connected attached metal pipes with large hoses and had syphoned crude oil for local processing.

“As soon as we arrived the scene, the suspects took to their heels but we were able to arrest one 32-year-old Godspower Oyibo, male, from Delta,” he said.

“He is currently assisting us with further investigation and shall be charged to court after interrogation.

“Exhibits impounded from the site include one yellow robin EY 20 pumping machine, galvanised metal pipes, long large hoses, already vandalised well heads, and stolen crude worth 100,000 litres stored in reservoirs.”

Appolos said other recovered items are calibrated surface tanks, processed diesel in cooking pots, and metal buckets.

The corps’ spokesperson assured that the NSCDC would continue to fight against vandalism and crude oil theft across the country.