Degema (Rivers) – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has revealed the discovery of an illegal tapping point installed to steal crude oil from a wellhead and pipeline belonging to Sahara Oil in Rivers.
SC Olufemi Ayodele, the NSCDC spokesperson in Rivers, led newsmen to the site at Cawthome Channel One, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers on Monday.
“The discovery was made by the command’s Marine Unit through credible intelligence about the existence of four local refineries in Degema.
“Intelligence revealed the operations of illegal bunkers, who vandalised Sahara Oil wellheads and pipelines, and siphoned crude oil.
“The wellhead and pipes were tapped into to siphon crude oil and supplied to a local refining site in the area,” he said.
Ayodele said the discovery of the illicit facility followed the zero-tolerance policy declared by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, on criminal sabotaging of oil and gas facilities in the country.
“Acting on the directives, the NSCDC Commandant in Rivers, Basil Igwebueze, stepped up intelligence and protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure both on land and waterways.
“Based on this improved intelligence, the marine unit swung into action, raided, and destroyed the four illegal refineries stationed in the Degema area.
“No suspect was arrested as they took to their heels on sighting our advancing marine operatives approaching the illicit facilities,” he stated.
The NSCDC spokesman said the command has intensified patrol in the area to dissuade operators of the illegal refinery from reconstructing and resuscitating the destroyed illegal site.
He said the NSCDC was fully committed to rid the nation of economic saboteurs and had already begun taking actionable steps to tackle the menace.
According to him, the command would continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to end activities of illegal oil bunkers in Rivers.
“Consequently, we appeal to the public to continue to provide us with actionable information that would lead to the arrest of criminals, as we will keep their identity in secrecy,” he promised.
