The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers says 16 suspected oil thieves were involved in illegally refining crude oil to produce diesel.

The corps commandant in the state, Michael Ogar, said operatives of NSCDC and Nigeria Navy arrested them during separate raids at different locations in the state.

According to him, the operations led to the seizure of about 200,000 litres of adulterated diesel being readied for distribution to unsuspecting motorists in the state.

“Eight of the suspects were arrested by operatives of NSCDC’s anti-vandal unit while the other eight were handed over to us by Nigeria Navy Ship Pathfinder Port Harcourt.

“The 16 suspects were arrested for their involvement in oil theft and illegal refining of diesel,” he said.

Mr Ogar said the command had made several arrests and confiscated petroleum products following the marching order to the NSCDC by Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers.

He assured the people that the command would not rest until all forms of illegal bunkering of petroleum products and vandalising of oil and gas installations were stopped in the state.

“Aside from this, we are also going after landlords who connive with criminals by allowing them to use their buildings and facilities to bunker petroleum products illegally.

“The command is already on the trail of such landlords and will arrest and charge them to court for allowing their property to be used for illegal activities,” he added.

The commandant said the suspects would soon be charged to court while the command would seek the forfeiture of the seized vehicles and petroleum products to the federal government. 

(NAN)