The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has exposed a large-scale illegal oil refining operation in Odagwa Community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. The site, housing over 10 illicit refineries with an estimated 500,000 litres of crude oil, was discovered during a proactive operation.
NSCDC spokesperson Olufemi Ayodele, while unveiling the discovery, stated, “The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, has reiterated over time that all acts of economic sabotage would be fought to a standstill as suspects arrested would face the full wrath of the law, irrespective of their sponsors.”
According to Ayodele, the operation was initiated based on credible intelligence. He noted, “The CG’s SIS swung into action and uncovered 10 illegal local refineries in a forest located at Odagwa Community in Etche LGA of Rivers State where five suspects were caught in the act of illegally refining crude oil.”
The arrested suspects, identified as Favour Chukwu, Desmond Umeh, Godwin Amos, Bineace Galion, and Goodnews David, are currently under investigation and will face prosecution for their involvement in the illicit activities.
Furthermore, Basil Igwebueze, Commandant of NSCDC Rivers State Command, condemned the audacious actions of the perpetrators, labeling them as ‘unrepentant’ and ‘unscrupulous elements.’ He emphasized the importance of destroying the site to prevent future illegal activities.
“The uncovering of this massive illegal oil bunkering site is a landmark achievement,” Igwebueze stated, “indicating the NSCDC’s commitment to combat crude oil theft and protect critical national assets.”
The NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, has launched a thorough investigation to apprehend the masterminds behind this economic sabotage. All suspects arrested will be charged accordingly, ensuring accountability and deterring potential offenders from engaging in such criminal activities.
