NSCDC Arrests 14 Suspected Oil Thieves in Abia Forest

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has dismantled several illegal local refining sites in Umelechi Forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

The CG’ SIS Commander, Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura said14 Suspects were arrested in the clampdown in connection with the alleged crime.

He said the success of the sting operation was hinged on sustained and credible Intelligence which revealed that economic saboteurs were carrying out illegal bunkering activities inside a very thick forest at Umelechi/Obiapu Communities.

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.

“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.”

He assured the public that thorough investigation would be carried out to ascertain the level of involvement of the following suspects: Chimaza Okwudilli (m) 35years, Nwachi Anthony (m) 24years, Solomon Ikechi (m) 24years and Cletus Michael (m) 27years.

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.