The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested seven suspects involved in illegal petroleum dealings and impounded a barge and three boats loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The arrests were made during a crackdown near Woji Jetty in the Slaughter area of Port Harcourt, as the NSCDC intensified its efforts against economic sabotage.
The State Commandant, Joachim Okafor, who addressed journalists at the crime scene, stated that the command is committed to combating pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, and the transport of illegally refined products.
Okafor disclosed that two suspects were arrested for allegedly transferring illegally refined AGO from a barge into cellophane bags for transport to an undisclosed location.
Five additional suspects were apprehended by the Marine Squad at the Tombia-Iwofe axis along the waterways. Preliminary reports indicated that they were caught with three boats filled with unquantified litres of AGO, suggesting widespread involvement in the illegal oil trade in the region.
NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Ayodele, emphasized that the ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft is part of the corps’ broader commitment to curb illegal bunkering activities in coastal areas and to support the nation’s oil production efforts.
Ayodele further noted that a thorough investigation would be conducted to identify those behind the illegal operations.
He assured that the suspects would face prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction.
