The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illegal refinery operating secretly in a forested area of the Isiala Ihie community, located in the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects and the confiscation of a substantial quantity of petroleum products suspected to have been illegally obtained from a vandalized petroleum pipeline nearby.
The discovery, executed by the NSCDC’s Crack Squad, was confirmed in a statement by Doreen Udugwu, the Public Relations Officer for the Abia State Command.
The raid revealed a refinery operation cleverly concealed within the bush, with petroleum products in various stages of processing seized during the operation.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Akinsola Aderemi, the Commandant of NSCDC in Abia State, emphasized that the investigation into the matter is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and prosecuting all individuals involved in the illegal activities.
The command’s action aligns with directives from the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to intensify the fight against illegal bunkering and related crimes. Aderemi reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to maintaining safety and security for all law-abiding citizens in Abia State.
Furthermore, he urged members of the public to support the corps by providing credible intelligence that could assist in uncovering criminal operations.
He assured the public that the NSCDC would continue to prioritize the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
This development comes as authorities across the country intensify efforts to combat the menace of illegal refineries and oil theft, which pose significant threats to the nation’s economy and environment.
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