The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 10 individuals suspected of engaging in activities related to pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illicit trade in petroleum products. Additionally, the Command seized nine vehicles carrying unlawfully refined petroleum products concealed within cellophane bags, and confiscated 28,225 liters of unlawfully refined AGO, commonly known as diesel.
Among the ten suspects is Chinedu Michael, a repeat offender who had previously been granted bail two months ago following his arrest by the Corps for unauthorized refining of petroleum products.
During a presentation of the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, State Commandant Basil Igwebueze highlighted that the apprehensions took place at different locations across the state through the collaborative efforts of the Anti-vandal Unit and the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Commandant Igwebueze stated that the suspects will face legal charges, and both the confiscated products and vehicles will be surrendered with the proceeds directed towards the federal government. He emphasized the Command’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its mandate of safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, and called for a reconsideration of laws pertaining to crude oil theft to enhance their stringency.