The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a residential property being used as an illegal storage site for refined petroleum products in Rivers State. This significant discovery is part of the Corps’ ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and its associated criminal activities in the region.
The illegal facility is located in the Elelewo community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. It was found to contain large storage tanks and numerous containers filled with illegally refined petroleum products, highlighting the scale of the operation. The discovery sheds light on the persistent challenges posed by crude oil theft in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
The NSCDC Rivers State Commandant, Joachim Okafor, led a team of personnel to inspect the site. Speaking about the operation, he explained that the discovery was made possible by the Command’s Anti-Vandal Unit, which utilized the Corps’ latest technology designed to track illegal crude oil theft activities. This advanced tracker is part of the Corps’ strategic measures to identify and dismantle networks of oil thieves.
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Commandant Okafor expressed concern about the wide-ranging impact of such illegal activities. He emphasized that crude oil theft not only affects the country’s economy by depriving it of significant revenue but also poses serious environmental and health risks. According to him, “Aside from its negative impact on the nation’s economy, the activities of crude oil thieves are causing serious environmental hazards and health issues to the people.”
The Commandant further called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to address the issue. He noted that public cooperation and vigilance are essential in combating oil theft and protecting the environment from the damage caused by illegal refining activities.
This discovery emphasizes the NSCDC’s commitment to tackling the menace of crude oil theft and ensuring the safety of lives, property, and the environment. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the illegal operation, as the Corps continues its mission to safeguard Nigeria’s critical national assets.
