THE Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has discovered a new strategy used by crude oil thieves to transport illegally refined petroleum products to neighboring states.
Commandant Joachim Okafor revealed to reporters at the Command Head Office in Port Harcourt that oil thieves are now using Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to evade the watchful eyes of NSCDC personnel.
He reported that the Command’s Anti-Vandal Unit intercepted three SUVs carrying unmeasured amounts of adulterated gasoline, known as AGO or diesel, in two border local government areas of the state.
Okafor explained, “While on patrol at the Etche border in Etche Local Government Area, our anti-vandal team spotted suspected illegal oil bunkers who abandoned a fully loaded Toyota Sequoia Jeep with AGO, fleeing into a nearby bush upon noticing our patrol.”
He further noted that a similar incident occurred in the Umungu community of the Omuma Local Government Area, where suspected oil thieves fled into the forest after abandoning two Sequoia Jeeps loaded with adulterated products when they saw the NSCDC patrol.
The NSCDC Commandant assured that the fleeing suspects will soon be apprehended, and the confiscated vehicles along with the petroleum products will be forfeited to the Federal Government.
He emphasized that, with the support of citizens, the Command will continue to protect critical national assets, including pipelines, from vandals and crude oil thieves, whom he described as enemies of the nation.
Commandant Okafor also warned oil thieves to pursue legitimate activities, stressing that anyone caught will face the full consequences of their actions.
