NSCDC seals illegal refinery, seizes petroleum products in Anambra
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State chapter, has uncovered an illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Head Media and Tactical
NSCDC, Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, said the operation was carried out in a joint coordinated operation with the Nigerian Army and the Navy.
Edwin said the team conducted the raid on Saturday following a credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area.
He added that a suspect was arrested while others fled the scene, with couple of petroleum products intercepted and seized.
The statement read, “In a joint coordinated operation, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy have uncovered a massive illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka ,Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The breakthrough was achieved following a credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area.
“Confirming the operations, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Anambra State Command, Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the team conducted the raid on the locations on Saturday at about 1:45pm.
“They intercepted and arrested a suspect while others fled the scene.
“While receiving the suspect and the exhibits; 49 kegs of 25 litres, suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, four drums of 200 litres each, suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit, and one pumping machine recovered from the scene and handed over to NSCDC for prosecution.”
According to him, the command remains committed to free its areas of operations from all forms of illegal dealings on petroleum products and other related activities and commended the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army that supported the operations.
He added that the state Commandant warned operators and perpetrators of illegal oil refineries and fake PROTEAN actors to steer clear of Anambra State, vowing they would be tracked down and made to face the full wrath of law.
“Our sights are set on individuals and groups using unwholesome covers for oil-related wrongdoings, and those brazenly committing crimes and criminalities in oil, gas and energy sectors of the economy; if they fail to change, the command is resolute and will take more decisive actions against you in Anambra State” he said.
“The Commandant assured the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and members of the public of thorough investigations and prosecution of the suspect, and his accomplices at large in court.
“This collaboration with sister security agencies showcases our united fronts against crime in Anambra State. NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, and checkmating illegal dealings in petroleum products and untowards profiteering, is warning economic saboteurs to stay clear of Anambra state, our operational mechanisms are in place to smoke them out,” he added.
