NSCDC Arrests Five Suspected Oil Thieves in Rivers State

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The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended five individuals suspected of engaging in oil theft. According to SC Olufemi Ayodele, the NSCDC spokesperson in the state, the suspects were allegedly involved in siphoning approximately 500,000 litres of crude oil from pipelines in Rivers State.

Ayodele revealed that the breakthrough occurred during a successful raid on 10 illegal bunkering sites located in Odagwa community, Etche, Rivers State. The raid was prompted by credible intelligence received by the NSCDC's special intelligence squad.

During the operation, authorities discovered approximately 500,000 litres of crude oil stored in around 50 illegally constructed reservoirs within the illegal refineries found in Odagwa forest. The suspects were caught red-handed engaging in the illegal refining activities.

Among the items recovered from the illegal bunkering sites were 10 cooking pots, a pumping machine, receiver tanks, 25 rubber hoses, and numerous lengths of galvanized pipes. These pipes, containing both crude oil and adulterated diesel, were connected to six large reservoirs and 20 smaller ones buried underground.

Ayodele condemned the activities of oil thieves in the state, describing them as unscrupulous and condemnable. He affirmed the NSCDC's commitment to collaborating closely with other security agencies to effectively combat the menace of oil theft in Rivers State.

The arrests signify a significant step in the ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities within the oil and gas sector in the region. The NSCDC's continued vigilance and cooperation with other security agencies are crucial in safeguarding Nigeria's valuable oil resources and maintaining law and order in the state.

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