NSCDC recovers over 100,000 litres of illegally refined diesel in Rivers State

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recovered over 100,000 litres of illegally refined diesel in Rivers State.

14 suspects between the ages of 31 and 49 who were arrested in connection to the crime, were paraded on Tuesday April 5. 

Addressing journalists, Spokesperson of the command, Olufemi Ayodele who displayed the impounded vehicles and products at the Corps Headquarters in Port Harcourt, stated that they would intensify the fight against the illegal refining of crude oil in the state despite the seeming resistance by the perpetrators of the crime.

The products displayed were concealed in plastic bags, a common tactic by the criminals to beat security checks.

Ayodele further revealed that the 103,800 litres of diesel suspected to be illegally refined, were intercepted while being transported in small vehicles and trucks to different locations within and outside Rivers State. 

The 14 suspects were arrested for either transporting the products on land and on waterways, or being in possession of aluminum materials used in the fabrication of Illegal refineries.

The suspects were arrested in Obio/Akpor, Ahoada East, Ikwerre, Degema and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas.

Two wooden boats, four trucks, and four cars were also impounded during the operation. Ayodele added that the suspects will be prosecuted according to the law.