The NSCDC’s Special Intelligence Squad has launched a successful offensive against illegal oil refining, taking down multiple sites in Umelechi Forest, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.
According to Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura, the CG’s SIS Commander, the raid resulted in the apprehension of 14 individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal oil refining operation.
The operation’s accomplishment was built on a foundation of solid intelligence, which exposed a secretive and illicit operation by economic saboteurs in the remote forest of Umelechi and Obiapu Communities, where they had been engaging in illegal activities under the cover of the dense foliage.
He said: “Our operatives were strategically positioned due to the tenacity of the operation large quantities of already siphoned crude oil were loaded inside locally fabricated cooking ovens in readiness for refining into Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) while some had been refined into DPK and AGO both stored in GP Tanks, Cellophane bags and many sacks.
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“The squad also sighted and marked the following as exhibits: Kemade Km8500e2 Power Generating Set, Firman Fpg8800e2, Robin Ey20 Pumping Machine, In4000, 3 New Roll of Hoses, Galvanised metal pipes, Shovels, Head flashlights, Several cellophane bags, 4 Bags of Cement, Hammer, Clothing and Shoes.”
The commander announced that a detailed investigation would be launched to scrutinize the suspected roles of four individuals – Chimaza Okwudilli, 35, Nwachi Anthony, 24, Solomon Ikechi, 24, and Cletus Michael, 27 – and determine their level of involvement in the alleged crime.
Others included: Kator Mbatsavmpuur (m) 21 years, Emmanuel Abbia (m) 19years, Benson Vitalis (m) 18years, Tamarakru Diebeketeme (m) 53 years, Esther Chukwu (f) 25years, Mary Barnabas (f) 45 years, Lydia Newton (f) 46 years, Ngozi Nwagnara (f) 48years, Ann Agu (f) 33years and Ahmed Usman (m) 45years.
“The 14 suspects would thereafter have their time in a court of competent jurisdiction. Our determination to wage relentless war against illegal dealings in petroleum products remains unwavering.
“The NSCDC is committed fully to safeguarding all critical infrastructure and prosecution of oil thieves and their sponsors who vowed not to repent from such unscrupulous acts,” the security agency added.
