In Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, two teenagers were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for suspected involvement in oil theft and illegal refinery operations. The arrests were part of a continuous effort by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad to combat oil theft and economic sabotage.
A statement by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer revealed that the operatives raided a swampy forest in the Umuorie/Umukala community, uncovering illegal refineries operating with over 20 local drum ovens. The Commander of the Intelligence Squad confirmed the arrests and emphasized the NSCDC’s dedication to eliminating illegal oil bunkering in the region.
The Commander explained that the swift response was based on credible intelligence, leading to the discovery of an artisanal oil refinery site where suspects were tapping and siphoning crude oil from wellheads near NPDC pipelines. Two teenagers, Endurance David (16) and Abadiedot Anieke (13), were apprehended while other suspects managed to escape upon the operatives’ arrival.
Recovered items included metallic pipes for siphoning crude oil, reservoirs filled with oil, and various tools like buckets and funnels. Investigations are underway, with plans to prosecute the suspects once the inquiry is completed.