By Deborah Nnamdi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has seized a truck carrying 70,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), on Monday in Abuja.
Babawale stated that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) acted on directives to curb pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal petroleum dealings in the Niger Delta.
He further explained that the CGS SIS promptly responded to an intelligence tip-off and intercepted a long caravan truck fitted with a tank, which was fully loaded with stolen crude oil.
“The truck was spotted while in transit around Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt, and was subsequently impounded by the CGS SIS,” he said.
Babawale quoted the Squad Commander, AS Dandaura, who revealed that his team was quickly deployed to the crime scene.
“Upon arrival, they seized a red-head, navy-blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY.
“The truck was fully loaded with siphoned crude oil illegally drawn from vandalized wellheads and destroyed pipelines.
“However, the truck’s occupants fled as the operatives approached the scene of the crime,” Babawale added.
He confirmed that the exhibits, including the red-head, navy-blue container truck, and the estimated 70,000 liters of stolen crude oil, had already been confiscated.
“An investigation has been launched to track down the syndicate responsible for the act of economic sabotage.
“For the record, the exhibits recovered at the point of arrest include: A red-head and navy-blue container truck with 10 tires (Reg. No. AGL574XY), containing approximately 70,000 liters of stolen crude oil,” he stated.
Babawale highlighted that once the investigation is completed, the NSCDC will request the forfeiture of the truck and its cargo in a competent court of law.
He added that the proceeds from the sale of these assets would be deposited into the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).
The CGS SIS he Commander also reaffirmed the squad’s dedication to relentlessly combating oil theft and its perpetrators, stressing that any arrested suspects would be prosecuted following comprehensive investigations.
