Illegal Refineries: NSCDC Raid Numerous Sites in Rivers, Seize Equipment

In a bid to ride off unauthorized refineries in the country, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, have busted an illegal refinery site in Umuechem in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The NSCDC said its anti-vandal unit acting on credible intelligence, swung into action to uncover the illegal refinery constructed in a forest.

The state’s Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Igwebueze further disclosed that equipment including two 20,000-litre capacity receiver open tanks, two 25,000-litre cooking pots, and four-inch galvanized pipes used by the oil thieves were seized at the site.

He stated, “We got credible intelligence that there is an illegal oil refinery site under construction at Umuechem in Etche Local Government Area.

“The command’s Anti-Vandal Unit took a proactive step and u illegal dealings in petroleum products in the area.

“As you can see this illegal refinery is located in a tick bush showing how defiant and desperate the oil thieves can be.

“Recall that the activities of local refineries have often led to environmental degradation, pollution, and health hazards and we will not tolerate that henceforth.

He stated that the corps would not rest on its oars in the war against illegal oil bunkering activities and other ravaging crimes in the state, adding that the NSCDC in collaboration with sister security agencies would continue to ensure that critical national assets in the state are protected.

Igwebueze lamented that despite the continuous fight against oil theft these ‘unscrupulous elements’ were still unrepentant and bent on sabotaging the nation’s economy.

While commending his men on the feat, the Rivers NSCDC helmsman said the local illegal refining site has been successfully cordoned off.

He reiterated that the command under his watch would continue to solicit for more ‘sustained and credible intelligence’ that would assist in nipping at the bud of such illicit activities.

Igwebueze assured that information given to the corps would be treated with utmost confidentiality, even as he reiterated the command’s stand to stamp out oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities in the state.
PUNCH