Rivers NSCDC intensifies war against oil theft, arrests 11 with Crude oil, AGO

Eleven persons have been arested at various locations in Rivers State over their involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities, Africa Update reports.

The suspects were arrested with 15,500 litres of Crude oil and 32,775 litres of AGO, according to a statement released to Africa Update.

The statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Rivers State Command, DSC Olufemi Ayodele, MCAI ANIPR, reads: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Rivers State Command has reaffirmed Its commitment to waging war against economic saboteurs who are feeding fat through their involvement in oil theft, illegal dealings in petroleum products, vandalism of oil pipelines, illegal oil bunkering activities amongst others.

Parading the 11 Suspects arrested by the Command Antivandal land patrol and marine forces; the Rivers State Commandant Michael Besong Ogar FCAI noted that the Command is poised to waging relentless war against economic saboteurs in the State. He decried the reconstruction of local refineries saying those dealing illegally in petroleum products causing environmental degradation, pollution and health hazards would be severely dealt with by the long arm of the law.

“With a renewed vigour and determination to rid the nation of oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products the Rivers State Command Antivandal land patrol and marine forces arrested 11 Suspects from various locations across the State; an abandoned Truck with registration number NASSARAWA LFA 757 XA laden with about 14,500 litres of Crude oil concealed in sacks was impounded at Etche border in Rivers State”.

“In addition, two (2) suspects named: Idowu Shaibu (M) 35years and Saheed Ibrahim (M) 30 years were arrested in Port Harcourt City with a short Ash Colour Mercedez Truck registered as RIVERS SKP 355 XH while in conveyance of 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly called Diesel”

“While on routine patrol our men also impounded 2 Cars along Agudama Street D/line, Port Harcourt: a black Toyota Avalon Car with registration number RIVERS RUM 575 TU conveying about 475 litres of AGO and an OX-Blood Toyota Camry registered as RIVERS PHC 172 AQ laden with 300 litres of AGO concealed in cellophane bags; although the suspects are currently at large, efforts are on top gear to effect their arrest”.

“Our Marine Forces during routine patrol along the waterways in Bakana River arrested 4 suspects named: Saviour Kenku (M) 26years, Royal Samuel (M) 23years, Oluwaseun (M) 43years and Faa Kega (M) 39years; they were in conveyance of an estimated 30,000 litres of AGO in a wooden boat”.

“Lastly, based on sustained Intelligence 5 Suspects named: Alozie-George Ikpirijor (M) 54years, Solomon Kingdom (M) 28years, Smart Jerry (M) 40years, John Nwolokor (M) 39years, Green Chinoye Ahiaidu (M) 44 years were further arrested at Oyakama, Ahoada West with a Pathfinder Jeep in conveyance of 1000 litres of Crude oil concealed in cellophane bags”.

The Rivers State Commandant hinted that the Command under his watch would decisively deal with any officer caught in the act of aiding and abetting illegal oil bunkering activities.

He maintained that at the conclusion of thorough investigation all the suspects would be charged to Court while the modes of conveyance and contents would be forfeited and proceeds remitted into the federal government account.

He further warned unrepentant vandals, illegal oil bunkerers and operators of illegal refineries to desist from such unscrupulous businesses and find a meaningful means of livelihood or face the full wrath of the law.