Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have successfully intercepted a long-container truck carrying 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of a major operation targeting oil theft.
The truck, which was equipped with an in-built tank for transporting illicit petroleum, was stopped near the Eleme Junction flyover in Elelenwo following a tip-off from intelligence sources. Upon spotting the NSCDC operatives, the suspects abandoned the truck and fled the scene.
Chief Superintendent of Corps Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment to dismantling oil theft syndicates across the country. “This operation, executed by the NSCDC Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to combat economic sabotage,” Babawale stated.
The truck, a red-head, navy-blue container with registration number AGL574XY, was found to be illegally transporting crude siphoned from vandalized wellheads and damaged pipelines. As the operatives moved in, the culprits fled, leaving the truck behind.
Babawale confirmed that both the stolen crude and the truck have been seized and will be subjected to legal forfeiture. “We will initiate proceedings to ensure the vehicle and its contents are forfeited to the state, with the proceeds directed to the Proceeds of Crime Account,” he added.
Reaffirming the NSCDC’s commitment to tackling oil theft, Babawale warned that anyone involved in the illegal trade would be held accountable. “We will relentlessly pursue all criminals and their sponsors, and ensure they face justice following a thorough investigation,” he concluded.
