The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three individuals in connection with the vandalism of an oil pipeline and theft of crude oil in the Umuodo, Umuajuloke Community, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement released on Monday, NSCDC Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi disclosed that the Special Intelligence Squad Commander, Deputy Commandant Apollo Dandaura, reported the recovery of numerous drum ovens containing processed stolen crude oil, industrial hoses used for siphoning, and large quantities of crude oil stored in cellophane bags and kegs.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has arrested three suspects for vandalism of an oil pipeline, oil theft, and illegal dealings in petroleum products at Umuodo, Umuajuloke Community in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“While briefing the corps correspondents, the CG’s SIS Commander, DC Apollo Dandaura, revealed that the arrest was made possible through sustained intelligence that led to the discovery of an illegal oil refinery at the crime scene. A large quantity of illegally refined petroleum products, suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil, was found.”
Dandaura detailed, “Based on credible intelligence, we took swift action and arrested three suspects at the scene with large quantities of illegally refined AGO stored in metallic drums and cellophane bags.”
The suspects, identified as Happiness Nwankwo, 45; Nneoma Nwankwo, 30; and Favour Amadi, all from Rivers State, were apprehended with numerous exhibits including drum ovens, industrial hoses, stolen crude oil in cellophane bags and kegs, metal and plastic buckets, wheelbarrows, shovels, and galvanized metal pipes.
Dandaura emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify their sponsors. “At the conclusion of a thorough investigation, those found guilty will face trial in court,” he added.
