The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken into custody ten individuals suspected of being involved in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and unlawful dealings in petroleum products.
During the operation, the command also seized nine vehicles carrying unlawfully refined petroleum products, which were concealed in cellophane bags, and confiscated 28,225 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
Among the ten apprehended suspects is Chinedu Michael, a repeat offender who had been previously granted bail two months ago following his arrest for engaging in illegal petroleum product refining by the Corps.
Commandant Basil Igwebueze, while parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, highlighted that the arrests took place at various locations across the state, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Anti-vandal Unit and the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army.
Commandant Igwebueze emphasized that the suspects would face legal charges, and both the confiscated products and vehicles would be forfeited, with the proceeds remitted to the federal government.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to its mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, while also advocating for stricter laws against crude oil theft.
