Illegal Refinery Busted in Anambra: NSCDC, Army, Navy Clamp Down on Fuel Saboteurs

 

A covert operation involving personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, and the Navy has led to the discovery of an illicit artisanal refinery and an unauthorized petrol station in Anambra State. The illegal operation, uncovered at Y-Junction in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign against petroleum-related crimes in the region.

The discovery was the result of a coordinated raid that took place on Saturday afternoon, following a tip-off from credible intelligence sources. Acting on this information, a joint task force mobilized and stormed the area where petroleum products were being unlawfully processed and sold.

NSCDC's spokesperson in Anambra, Okadigbo Edwin, confirmed the operation in a statement released on Sunday. He disclosed that one suspect was apprehended during the raid while several others managed to escape. Seized items included 49 kegs containing 25 litres each of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), four 200-litre drums of what appeared to be adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a pumping machine believed to have been used in the illegal activities.

Commandant of the NSCDC in Anambra State, Maku Olatunde, personally confirmed the successful execution of the operation. He stated that the raid, carried out around 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, was a result of rigorous intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing the illegal trade of petroleum products.

This recent bust highlights the determination of security forces to root out illegal oil operations and dismantle the networks enabling such economic sabotage. Commandant Olatunde emphasized the importance of synergy among security forces and praised the Nigerian Army and Navy for their instrumental roles in the operation.

According to him, the command has taken custody of the suspect and all materials recovered from the scene. A full investigation has already commenced, with plans to prosecute the suspect and track down the remaining culprits still at large.

Echoing a stern warning to would-be offenders, the Commandant called on all individuals and groups involved in illegal oil refining and distribution to desist from their criminal endeavors or face dire consequences. He noted that the command has intensified its surveillance and enforcement operations to ensure that petroleum-related crimes are flushed out of Anambra State.

“The era of unchecked sabotage and illegal profiteering in the oil and gas sector is over,” he stated. “Those hiding under fake identities and unlawful business fronts to perpetrate these crimes will be exposed and brought to justice.”

He reiterated the commitment of NSCDC as the lead agency mandated to protect critical national and local infrastructure, asserting that no stone would be left unturned in the fight against illegal petroleum dealings. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

The operation stands as a clear signal to economic saboteurs that Anambra State is no longer a safe haven for petroleum-related criminalities. NSCDC, backed by its military counterparts, has vowed to ramp up its operational efforts and ensure thorough investigations and prosecutions are carried out against anyone found culpable.

This recent enforcement action is a testament to the growing efficiency of inter-agency collaboration in addressing security threats and protecting vital national assets. The NSCDC has pledged to sustain the momentum and work relentlessly until the oil sector in Anambra State is purged of illegal actors and their operations dismantled for good.