The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested 16 suspected oil thieves involved in illegal refining of crude oil to produce diesel.
The corps commandant in the state, Michael Ogar, who paraded the 16 male suspects before journalists at the state headquarters in Port Harcourt, said the suspects were arrested in joint collaboration of the NSCDC and the Nigerian Navy during separate raids at different locations in the state.
Ogar said the operations led to the seizure of about 200,000 litres of adulterated diesel that was being readied for distribution to unsuspecting motorists in the state.
He said: “Eight of the suspects were arrested by operatives of NSCDC’s anti-vandal unit, while the other eight were handed over to us by Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Port Harcourt.
“The 16 suspects were arrested for their involvement in oil theft and illegal refining of diesel.
“Some of the suspects were caught moving about 200,000 litres of diesel with their trucks, Sport Utility Vehicles and other cars to different locations in the state before their arrest.”
The commandant said the command has recorded several arrests and confiscated petroleum products following the marching order to the NSCDC by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
He said the Command is not going back on its commitment to curbing illegal bunkering in the state.
“We are not going to compromise on our mandate. The many arrests and seizures show that our officers and men have been complying with government directives to stop illegal bunkering.
“Aside this, we are also going after landlords who connive with criminals by allowing them to use their buildings and facilities to illegally bunker petroleum products.
“The command is already on the trail of such landlords, and will arrest and charge them to court for allowing their property to be used for illegal activities,” he added.
Ogar noted that the suspects would soon be charged to court.
