The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday said it arrested 14 people for allegedly stealing crude oil in Abia.
NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, who disclosed this in Abuja, stated that the suspects were operating an illegal refinery in a forest in Umelehi, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
Afolabi said the illegal site was dismantled after the arrest of nine male and four female suspects by the Commanding General’s Special Intelligence Team.
He said the Squadron Commander, Apollo Dandaura, attributed the successful arrest to credible intelligence from well-meaning Nigerians.
“Our operatives were strategically located due to the amount of already diverted crude oil loaded into locally manufactured cooking furnaces for refining into Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“Some things had been refined into kerosene and AGO, both stored in GP tanks, cellophane bags and many sacks,” he said.
The spokesperson said an investigation will be conducted to determine the level of involvement of the suspects. He said the NSCDC would prosecute the oil thieves and their sponsors.
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According to him, some of the recovered pieces were generating sets, pumping machines, hoses, galvanized metal pipes, shovels, flashlights, cellophane bags and cement bags, among others.
Afolabi reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets.
(YAYA)