NSCDC arrests three for crude oil theft in Rivers

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has arrested three suspects for oil pipeline vandalism and theft in Umuodo, Umuajuloke Community, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.

In a statement on Monday, NSCDC Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi reported that CG’s SIS Commander, DC Apollo Dandaura, revealed the recovery of numerous drum ovens containing processed stolen crude oil, industrial hoses used for siphoning, and large quantities of crude oil stored in cellophane bags and kegs.

The statement read, in part, “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has arrested three suspects for vandalism of an oil pipeline, oil theft, and illegal dealings in petroleum products at Umuodo, Umuajuloke Community in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“While briefing the Corps correspondents, the CG’s SIS Commander, DC Apollo Dandaura, relayed that the arrest was made possible through sustained intelligence, leading to the discovery of an illegal oil refinery at the crime scene. A large quantity of illegally refined petroleum products suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was found.

“Based on credible intelligence, we took action and arrested three suspects at the crime scene with large quantities of illegally refined AGO already stored inside metallic drums, while others were inside cellophane bags.”

He stated that after a thorough investigation, those found guilty would face trial in court.

The statement continued, “The names of the arrested suspects are Happiness Nwankwo (F), 45, who claimed to be an indigene of Omuma in Rivers State; Nnoma Nwankwo (F), 30, also from Rivers State; and Favour Amadi (F) from Omuma in the same Rivers State.

“Some exhibits recovered at the point of arrest include numerous drum ovens containing stolen and siphoned crude oil undergoing processing, industrial hoses used to tap into well-heads to siphon crude oil, large quantities of stolen crude oil stored inside cellophane bags and kegs, many metal and plastic buckets, wheelbarrows, shovels, and galvanized metal pipes.

“The CG SIS Commander hinted that investigations have commenced to unravel the involvement of the three suspects and their sponsors. He noted that upon the conclusion of a thorough investigation, those found culpable would face court proceedings.”