PORT HARCOURT: The Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a new tactic being used by crude oil thieves to transport illegally refined petroleum products to neighboring states. According to the NSCDC Commandant in Rivers State, Joachim Okafor, oil thieves are now using Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to move illicitly refined petroleum products in an effort to evade detection by security personnel.
While briefing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Commandant Okafor explained that the NSCDC’s Anti-Vandal Unit, during a routine patrol, intercepted three SUVs loaded with unquantified quantities of adulterated diesel (AGO) in two border local government areas of the state.
He said, “The NSCDC Rivers State Command’s Anti-Vandal Unit was on patrol at the Etche border in Etche Local Government Area when they spotted a Toyota Sequoia Jeep fully loaded with adulterated AGO (locally known as Kpofire Diesel). Upon sighting our patrol team, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bush.
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Okafor further explained that a similar incident occurred at Umungu community in Omuma Local Government Area. “As our team approached, the suspects, upon seeing the NSCDC personnel, quickly abandoned two Sequoia Jeeps they were using to transport the illicit fuel and ran into the forest,” he said.
The NSCDC Commandant confirmed that the suspects are currently on the run but assured that they would soon be apprehended. He added that the seized vehicles and the illegal petroleum products would be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Okafor also emphasized the importance of public collaboration in the fight against oil theft and vandalism, stating, “With the support of law-abiding citizens, we will continue to safeguard critical national assets, including pipelines, from the activities of vandals and oil thieves, who are enemies of our country.”
He issued a stern warning to oil thieves, urging them to desist from illegal activities and seek more productive means of livelihood. “We will not spare anyone found engaged in oil theft. The full weight of the law will be brought against them,” he concluded.
