The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully dismantled an illegal refinery containing over 100,000 litres of crude oil in Adobi Settlement, Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State. This significant breakthrough was achieved by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGsSIS), according to a statement released on Saturday by NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi.
The commander of the special squad, Dandaura Appolos, attributed the operation’s success to credible intelligence reports. “We value and protect our informants, and the information received is always treated with caution, confidentiality, and prompt alertness,” Appolos stated, expressing gratitude to the informants.
Upon arrival at the site, the team discovered that the suspects had connected galvanized metal pipes with large hoses to siphon crude oil for local processing. Although the suspects fled upon the squad’s arrival, one individual, 32-year-old Godspower Oyibo from Delta State, was apprehended and is currently assisting with further investigations. He will be charged to court following interrogation.
The operation led to the impounding of several exhibits, including a yellow Robin EY 20 pumping machine, galvanized metal pipes, long large hoses, vandalized well heads, and stolen crude oil stored in reservoirs. Additionally, calibrated surface tanks, processed automotive gas oil (AGO) in cooking pots, and metal buckets were recovered from the site.
NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi assured the public that the NSCDC would continue its vigorous campaign against vandalism and crude oil theft across the nation.
