The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed an illegal petroleum refining site, following the arrest of four suspects in Ebonyi State.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Ebonyi State Command’s spokesperson, ASC Emmanuel Uneke, and obtained by Channels Television on Monday.
Uneke stated that the discovery was made on Saturday, November 9, 2024, through intelligence-led operation by the command’s Anti-vandal squad, who successfully disrupted an illegal oil refining activities at Ugwuachara in Abakaliki, the state capital.
According to the statement, the suspects arrested are Patrick Peter, Monday David, Aliyu Muhammed, and Oke Jeremiah, adding that a tanker truck with 45,000 litres of unrefined petroleum was also discovered at the site.
It added that preliminary investigation revealed use of fraudulent documentation to disguise the true purpose of the transportation of petroleum to Cross River State, indicating potential diversion for illegal activity.
Uneke said that the suspects are cooperating with the Command to unravel the source of the products, adding that thorough investigation will be conducted and ensure that all those involved in the illegal activity are brought to justice.
He stated that the state Commandant, Francis Nnadi, is committed to combating illegal activities in petroleum sector, as he seeks the public cooperation in combating illegal oil refining and other related crimes, by reporting any suspicious activities to NSCDC or other law enforcement agencies.