NSCDC seizes truck with 70,000 litres of stolen crude in Rivers
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded a truck loaded with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC national public relations officer (NPRO), Afolabi Babawale, on Monday in Abuja.
Mr Babawale explained that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) had acted on orders to prevent incidents of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal dealings in petroleum products in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the CGS SIS responded swiftly to an intelligence tip-off and impounded a long caravan truck with an in-built tank 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.
Mr 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 vandalised wellheads and destroyed pipelines.
“However, the truck’s occupants fled as the operatives approached the scene of the crime,” Mr Babawale added.
He confirmed that the exhibits, including the red-head, navy-blue container truck and the estimated 70,000 litres 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 tyres (Reg. No. AGL574XY), containing approximately 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil,” he stated.
Mr Babawale emphasised that once the investigation concluded, the NSCDC would seek the forfeiture of the truck and its contents in a court of competent jurisdiction.
He said proceeds from the sale of the assets would be remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).
The CGS SIS commander further reiterated the squad’s commitment to waging an unrelenting battle against oil thieves and their sponsors, affirming that any suspects arrested would face the law after thorough investigations.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
