The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has discovered an illegal bunkering site at Tombo Camp, Well 9 Waterfront, in the Umuegusi community of Owaza Town, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.
In a statement from National Public Relations Officer CSC Afolabi Babawale, it was reported that an operation led by DCC Appolos Dandaura uncovered the illegal bunkering site, revealing a large area with over 10 active local cooking ovens and various drums used for boiling crude, categorized into three-in-one, two-in-one, and single drum setups.
Babawale stated that the operation aligns with the Acting Commandant General's directive to ramp up efforts against crude oil theft in order to safeguard the nation's economy from vandals and saboteurs. He aasured that by intensifying these initiatives, the authorities aim to deter illegal activities that threaten vital resources and ensure the integrity of the country's economic stability.
Some of the local cooking pots discovered were actively boiling suspected stolen crude oil into adulterated automotive gas oil (AGO). Three suspects were arrested for their roles in the illegal oil bunkering activities, which included purchasing stolen crude, owning the burnt wooden boat used for transporting stolen oil, and operating a boiler at the artisanal refining site.
According to the Squad’s report, the suspects are Joseph Cookeygan, 37, from Opobo Nkoro LGA of Rivers State (claimed owner of the wooden boat); Amadi Glory, 26, from Omuma LGA of Rivers State (waiting to buy the stolen crude by the waterfront); and Ebere Chioma, 32, from Etche LGA of Rivers State.
During the sting operation, numerous items were seized, including several three-in-one cooking ovens, two two-in-one ovens, single drum ovens, various lengths of galvanized iron pipes, metal funnels, over fifty 30-litre jerry cans, metal and plastic buckets, and an estimated 100,000 litres of siphoned crude oil packaged in cellophane and loaded in the local cooking ovens, along with shovels and cutlasses.
The statement concluded that, following a thorough investigation to carefully examine all evidence, the suspects would be formally charged in a court with appropriate jurisdiction.
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He mentioned that the authorities are committed to seeking justice, and the upcoming legal proceedings will provide an opportunity for a comprehensive examination of the facts.
