The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State Command says it has arrested 19 suspects on over alleged involvement in oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Commandant, Michael Ogar decried the defiant attitude of oil thieves and those engaging in illegal bunkering activities.
Ogar said that despite the continuous sensitization and relentless war against economic sabotage, the perpetrators of illegal oil activities have refused to change their ways.
He maintained that sequel to the reconstitution of a new Antivandal Team of the Command, the Marine and land Patrol operatives has commenced full operations with a renewed vigour and tactics in wagging war against the menace of oil pipelines vandalism and oil theft in Rivers State.
He said, “As directed by the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, a marching order was given to the Marine and land operatives to massively arrest pipeline Vandals and illegal oil dealers in the State and this has enhanced our doggedness in the series of arrests made by the Command.
“The marine and land patrol teams arrested 19 suspects at different locations in the state; four suspects named: Peter Udo ‘M’ 20 years, Benjamin God’s power ‘M’ 16 years, God’s gift Nicholas ‘M’ 19 years and Goodness Sunday ‘M’ aged 19 years were arrested with one big wooden boat and a 40 HP outboard engine along Bakana river close to Bakana community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“In addition, 3 suspects named: Jacob Fewu ‘M’ 23years, George George ‘M’ 20years and Stanley Bruce ‘M’ 20years were arrested with One (1) wooden boat laden with 10,000 litres of illegaly refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), a 40 HP Outboard Engine used for propelling the boat.”
Continuing, the commandant said, “The Marine team in an all night tactical operations arrested 2 additional suspects named: Ade Monday 27 years and Abiola Gift 29years with One (1) wooden boat, 25 drums (6,250 litres) of illegal refined AGO and One (1) 15 HP outboard engine.
“Following a tip off, the Antivandal Unit also uncovered a building used as dump site for storing locally refined AGO along Cornerstone junction in Ogbogoro, Obio Akpo Local Government Area.”
He said also discovered was an underground Tanker containing unquantified litres of locally refined AGO, a Plastic Tank containing about 3,500 litres of AGO and a Pumping Machine.
According to him, “the entire compound is now under seal and manned by our personnel while the Command would continue to chase the culprits till they are arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”
In another development, 5 suspects were arrested at oyakama community in Ahoada west LGA and Njemanze street in Port Harcourt.
The all male suspects include Onorode Daniel 34 years, Samuel Odirode 32 years, Charles Okeke 43 years, Uche 32 years and Chinedu Iroanya 36 years.
“They were in conveyance of an ash colour Toyota Sequoia SUV with number plate: LAGOS Epe 539 AT laden with about 1,000 litres of AGO, a Golden colour Toyota Camry Car with about 1,500 litres of illegaly refined AGO, an Ash Colour Toyota Camry Car with registration number RIVERS BER 951 MU, a green colour Toyota Camry Car with number plate: RIVERS AH 824 AHD laden with illegaly refined AGO concealed in cellophane and packed in sack bags which totalled 5,000 litres.”
The Commandant said another building close to Akpos Jetty in Abuloma community in Port Harcourt was also uncovered while the Suspects took to their heels upon sighting the command’s operatives.
He said a short green and white colour DAF CF 250 Truck with number plate LAGOS EKY 206 XS laden with illegaly refined AGO and Pumping Machine were recovered as exhibits.
The land Patrol team also arrested 5 suspects along Agwu/ Elechi street Mile 1 Diobu, Port Harcourt including Musa Mohammed 36 years, Elisha Iyalla 18years, Iyeneobong Emmanuel 25 years, Felix Ukele 45years and Mba Awajimimam aged 42years.
“We recovered from them a green colour Sienna Car with registration number LAGOS DL 218 APP laden with 800 litres of AGO and a Truck branded liquid bulk with number plate LAGOS EKY 852 XS laden Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” he added.
Ogar said an Ifeanyi Nwauwa 43years was arrested along Azikiwe road in conveyance of One (1) Gold colour Toyota Camry with number plate ABUJA HX 937 ABC laden with Illegaly refined AGO.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackle oil theft and illegal dealings while noting that “the perpetrators should either relocate or risk facing the full wrath of the law.”
