The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has discovered five illegal crude oil dumps in the Jahi/Katampe area of Abuja, leading to the arrest of seven individuals suspected to be involved in crude oil theft and illegal distribution.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale.
According to the statement, operatives from the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) also recovered trucks loaded with stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at the scene.
“One white truck with three compartments fully loaded with 45,000 litres of AGO with an unverifiable waybill seen at the illegal dump, four Mercedes-Benz short peddler trucks, and several other vehicles were impounded,” the corps stated.
The operation also led to the seizure of numerous exhibits, including pumping machines, hoses of different sizes, a Mikano generator, and approximately 23 surface metallic constructed tanks—some filled with suspected AGO. A container shelter was also among the items recovered.
The NSCDC emphasized its resolve to clamp down on oil theft across the country.
“The arrests made by the CG’s SIS showcased the dedication of the corps to relentlessly crack down on crude oil thieves across the federation,” Babawale said.
He added that the suspects will be prosecuted accordingly “to serve as a deterrent to other criminals.”
