Gladness Gideon
In a significant breakthrough against oil theft and illegal petroleum activities, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered five illegal crude oil dumps in the Jahi/Katampe area of Abuja.
The operation, carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), also led to the arrest of seven suspects linked to the illicit operation, according to a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale.
As part of the operation, security operatives recovered multiple vehicles used in the transportation and distribution of stolen petroleum products, including a white truck with three compartments carrying 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), which lacked a verifiable waybill.
Four Mercedes-Benz short peddler trucks and several other vehicles believed to have been used in the illegal trade were also impounded. Additional items seized included industrial pumping machines, assorted hosepipes, a Mikano generator, and approximately 23 surface metallic tanks—some filled with large quantities of suspected AGO. A container shelter and other paraphernalia linked to the illegal refining operation were also recovered.
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The NSCDC noted that the dismantling of the illegal sites demonstrates the corps’ unwavering commitment to combating crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
“This operation is part of our nationwide crackdown on petroleum product thieves. The suspects will face prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar crimes,” the statement read.
The corps reiterated its dedication to protecting national assets and vowed to intensify surveillance and intelligence-led operations across the country.