Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have successfully raided an illegal refinery site in Umuechem, situated in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The NSCDC’s anti-vandal unit, acting on credible intelligence, promptly initiated an operation to unveil the illegal refinery, which was hidden within a forested area.
Basil Igwebueze, the Commandant of the state, provided details of the operation while addressing the press in Port Harcourt.
He revealed that the illegal refinery site was under construction and was concealed within a dense bush.
During the operation, law enforcement seized essential equipment, including two 20,000-litre capacity receiver open tanks, two 25,000-litre cooking pots, and four-inch galvanized pipes, which were being utilized by the oil thieves.
Commandant Igwebueze expressed concern about the environmental degradation, pollution, and health hazards often caused by local refineries.
He emphasized the NSCDC’s commitment to combating illegal oil bunkering activities and other related crimes, as well as protecting critical national assets in the state.
Despite continuous efforts against oil theft, he noted that some individuals remained unrepentant and were still determined to undermine the nation’s economy.
While commending his team for the successful operation, Commandant Igwebueze called for sustained and credible intelligence from the public to help prevent such illicit activities.
He assured the public that any information provided to the NSCDC would be treated with the utmost confidentiality, emphasizing the command’s unwavering determination to eradicate oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities in the state.