The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has dismantled dug-out reservoir constructed and padded with tampauline which can contain 100,000 litres of illegally refined crude oil at a time.
In a statement released by the security agency on Monday, stated that this was carried out by the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s Special Intelligence continuation of the relentless war against illegal dealings in petroleum products perpetrated by economic saboteurs.
Briefing the Press, the Commander CG’S SIS, Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura relayed that 3 Suspects were arrested in connection with illegal bunkering activities ongoing at Nembe/Odagwa Creek in Etche Local Govt Area of Rivers, noting that the 3 suspects were between the ages of 30 and 42 years.
“Acting of the CG directive, we have relentlessly intensified efforts in combating the menace of Crude oil theft in the Niger Delta which led to the arrest of Mr Friday Faith (M) 30years who hails from Akwa Ibom State, Mr Progress Apogi (M) aged 35 years an indigene of Ukwuani in Delta State and Mr Richard Okoro (M) 42years who hails from Ohaukwu in Ebonyi State”.
“Upon sighting our operatives some of the suspects abandoned the illegal bunkering site and took to their heels manoeuvring through the creek.
“However, the arrested three suspects are currently assisting us with the necessary information and after thorough investigation; they will be appropriately charged to Court’.
“While carrying out the operations the following items were sighted as exhibits: onr large dugout reservoir used for storing siphoned crude oil from a Multinational oil well manifold.
Also, several sizes of rubber hoses used for pumping crude, many metallic galvanized pipes, Caliberated rubber surface tanks, several other surface reservoirs, Buckets, Kegs, funnels used for carrying out their illegal bunkering activities”.
“Let me on this note appreciate our informants and also encourage them not to relent in giving actionable Intelligence that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Our commitment to rid the nation of all acts of economic sabotage in the oil region remains firm and we will not be deterred even as we advice those engaging in such unscrupulous business to repent or face the full wrath of the law”, he said.