The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a large-scale illegal refinery and unlicensed petrol station at Y-Junction in Nkwelle Ezunaka, located in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Head of Media and Tactical Operations, Okadigbo Edwin, the operation was conducted on Saturday through a coordinated effort involving the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy, acting on credible intelligence about illicit petroleum activities in the area.
One suspect was apprehended during the raid, while several others managed to escape. The NSCDC also seized a variety of petroleum products from the scene.
“In a joint coordinated operation, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy have uncovered a massive illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State,” the statement read.
“The breakthrough was achieved following a credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area.”
Confirming the operation, the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, stated that the raid occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Saturday.
“They intercepted and arrested a suspect while others fled the scene.
“While receiving the suspect and the exhibits; 49 kegs of 25 litres, suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, four drums of 200 litres each, suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit, and one pumping machine recovered from the scene and handed over to NSCDC for prosecution,” he said.
Commandant Olatunde reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating all forms of illegal petroleum activities within its jurisdiction. He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy and Army for their support during the operation.
He issued a stern warning to operators of illegal refineries and impersonators in the oil and gas sector.
“Our sights are set on individuals and groups using unwholesome covers for oil-related wrongdoings, and those brazenly committing crimes and criminalities in oil, gas and energy sectors of the economy; if they fail to change, the command is resolute and will take more decisive actions against you in Anambra State,” he said.
The Commandant assured the public and collaborating security agencies that the suspect and fleeing accomplices would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
“This collaboration with sister security agencies showcases our united fronts against crime in Anambra State. NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, and checkmating illegal dealings in petroleum products and untoward profiteering, is warning economic saboteurs to stay clear of Anambra State, our operational mechanisms are in place to smoke them out,” he added.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")