About 12 suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Abia State Command, in collaboration with the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) in Obiakpo Obuzo, Asa in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.
Confirming the arrest, the NSCDC revealed that credible intelligence led to the discovery of a vast network of illegal refineries cleverly hidden in the forest of Obiakpo Obuzo Asa community, with large quantities of crude oil suspected to be tapped from a vandalized nearby pipeline.
During a raid that was carried out, large quantities of petroleum products in various stages of processing were seized during the operation.
The agency said in a statement;
“Following credible intelligence, NSCDC Abia Command, in line with its mandate and the directives of the Commandant General, Associate Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in operating illegal refineries in the state.”
Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this criminal enterprise, which poses a serious threat to the nation’s economy.