NSCDC Intercepts Truck With 70,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil In Rivers
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded a truck loaded with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, stating that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) acted on intelligence to curb pipeline vandalism and illegal crude oil dealings in the Niger Delta.
He said, “Determined to fight against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, economic sabotage and all forms of illegal dealings in petroleum products, the CG’s SIS acted on credible intelligence and intercepted a long caravan truck with an inbuilt tank at Eleme flyover, Elelewon, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“The truck was fully loaded with about 70,000 litres of illegally refined products suspected to be stolen crude oil.”
Babawale further explained that upon sighting the operatives, the truck’s occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled.
Squad Commander, AS Dandaura, provided details of the intercepted truck, describing it as “a long caravan truck with red head and navy-blue body, with an inbuilt tank, used as a mode of conveyance by the oil thieves. The truck has registration number AGL574XY.”
He added that “preliminary investigation revealed that the truck was fully loaded with siphoned crude oil suspected to have been sourced from vandalised wellheads and pipelines.”
Babawale stated that the NSCDC has launched an investigation to track down the culprits.
He said, “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the economic saboteurs behind this dastardly act. Meanwhile, necessary legal proceedings and processes shall be initiated for the possible forfeiture of the truck and its contents through a court order.
“The proceeds shall be remitted into the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA) as stipulated by the federal government’s policy on recovered proceeds from illegal dealings in petroleum products.”
The CGS SIS reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on oil theft and prosecuting those involved.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
