NSCDC special intelligence squad dismantles illegal oil bunkering syndicate in Abuja

In a significant crackdown on illegal crude oil theft, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), acting on credible intelligence, uncovered seven illegal oil dumps in the Jahi/Katampe axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The operation, which led to the arrest of seven suspects, is part of the ongoing effort by the NSCDC to curb oil theft and illegal refining activities across the country.

The operation, under the directive of NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, saw the seizure of several vehicles laden with stolen petroleum products and the discovery of extensive oil bunkering equipment. According to AS Dandaura, the Commander of CG SIS, the raid was a coordinated effort based on actionable intelligence that pointed to the area being a hotspot for illegal refining operations.

“Following a tip-off, my team and I moved swiftly into action and uncovered five out of the seven illegal oil dumps we raided,” said Dandaura. The suspects arrested during the operation include Akande Olusola (48), Anas Usman (33), Jonathan Onekutu (45), Uchenna Kelechi (44), Chukwuma Solomon (37), Monday Israel (34), and Bello (33).

The following items were seized from the illegal dumps:

1. A white truck with registration number GYA-777XA, carrying 45,000 liters of adulterated AGO (Automotive Gas Oil) in three compartments, with an unverifiable waybill.

2. A Mercedes Benz Short Peddler Truck (model 1202, registration number FST-425XB).

3. Four Short Peddler trucks with registration numbers RSH-197ZAN, SR-27YW, and two others without visible registration.

4. A white DAF CF truck (KSF161XQ) and a MAN Diesel Short Truck (KWL-241XA).

5. A Volkswagen Bus (RBC-140XF), a red and white DAF CF, and several other vehicles including Mercedes Benz trucks and a Toyota Matrix.

6. Numerous oil-pumping machines, surface metallic tanks (some containing AGO), locally constructed metal tanks, and over 50 calibrated rubber surface tanks.

7. Various other equipment such as counting machines, metal funnels, plastic buckets, and several short peddler tankers.

Meanwhile, NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi expressed his commitment to intensifying efforts to dismantle oil theft syndicates and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

As part of the legal process, the NSCDC will approach a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution, ensuring that due diligence is observed in investigating the crime. The arrest and confiscation of equipment are expected to serve as a strong deterrent to others engaged in similar illegal activities.

The NSCDC continues to work tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s natural resources and ensure that those involved in oil theft are held accountable.