NSCDC uncovers illegal crude oil dump site in River
From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Rivers State Command, says operatives of its Anti-Vandal Unit have uncovered an isolated facility in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area, used for storing suspected stolen crude oil.
In a statement in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Iheanacho Umeado, said the site contained an unquantifiable quantity of substances believed to be crude oil siphoned from vandalised pipelines and stored in GP tanks.
He explained that the discovery followed several days of credible intelligence gathering, which led to a swift raid on the location.
Umeado added that the State Commandant, Dr Joachin Okafor, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and reiterated the Corps’s zero tolerance for illegal bunkering activities.
The Commandant warned that the Corps remains resolute in tracking down and arresting perpetrators, regardless of their status.
Dr Okafor also directed the Intelligence Department to carry out a thorough investigation to identify those behind the operation and ensure their arrest and prosecution.
