The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, or NSCDC, has detained no fewer than 14 people for allegedly stealing crude oil in Abia State.
Babawale Afolabi, a spokesman for the NSCDC, revealed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Afolabi, the suspects—nine men and four women—run an illicit refinery in a forest near Umelehi, in the Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
He credited well-meaning Nigerians for providing the Corps with reliable intelligence, which led to the successful arrests.
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Because so much crude oil had already been syphoned and was being refined into automotive gas oil (AGO) in locally built cooking ovens, our operators were positioned strategically.
He stated, “Some had been refined into AGO and kerosene, both of which were stored in numerous sacks, cellophane bags and GP tanks.”
Afolabi promised that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the suspects’ degree of involvement.
The suspects were found to be in possession of generator sets, pumping equipment, hoses, galvanised metal pipes, shovels, head flashlights, cellophane bags, and cement sacks.
