Crime & SecurityWhy We Have Not Arrested Illegal Refinery Operators in Abia – State NSCDC Boss

Avatar PilotnewsFebruary 26, 2022
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UKWA, (ABIA) — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia command, says the illegal modular refineries in the state are owned and operated by a syndicate.

The state Commandant, Mr. Ayinla Olowo, said on Friday when he led some journalists to inspect the sites of illegal modular refineries in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

Olowo also conducted the newsmen round the exhibit yard, where items recovered from the fleeing operators of illegal refineries were kept.

The items included two generating sets, 12 pumping machines, seven vehicles loaded with about 30 jerrycans filled with crude, different types of pipes allegedly used to siphon oil from Shell and NNPC pipelines.
There were also about 18 modular pots recovered and destroyed by the corps operatives in their last two raids in the area.

He said that because the crime was being perpetrated by a syndicate, it had become difficult for the command to apprehend the illegal operators .

The state NSCDC boss said: “The illegal refineries are being run by some kingpins. They merely recruit those boys who operate the illegal activities in the forest.

“These kingpins hire some people, who mount sentry and lay ambush to monitor whenever there is security movement in the area.

“This is why each time we raid the place, the operators would escape shortly before the arrival of our operatives.

“So, what happens is that as soon as the boys notice the arrival of our personnel, they alert the operators and they escape far into the forest, making it difficult for us to get them,” Olowo said.

He, however, expressed delight that the command had successfully disconnected the pipes used to siphon crude from Shell and NNPC pipelines.

He also said that the command had not only destroyed the modular pots for the looking of the crude but also confiscated the various equipment used by the operators.

“Once we have succeeded in destroying those equipment and tools, that is the end of their illegal activities,” he said.

He said that the command would continue to raid the area in its bid to either eradicate or minimise the illegal activities to the barest level.

“The menace of soot and its concomitant health hazards have witnessed great reduction,” he said.
He further said that “to a large extent, the command is convinced that it is winning the war”.

He attributed the feat by the command’s “Ops sting” to the moral and logistics support by the corps Commandant General, Abubakar Audi.

He said: “Recall that I told you that our amiable commandant general promised to provide logistics to enhance our operations, especially in penetrating the general area, which is very difficult terrain.

“The breakthrough we have recorded today has been made possible, following the timely approval and delivery of those logistics by the commandant general”.

He also commended the natives and local government authorities for being supportive and helping the command “to lunch more offensives against vandals and their collaborators”.

Olowo further appealed to parents, guardians, religious organisations, and traditional rulers to support the war against vandalism, describing it as economic sabotage.

“The activities of these economic saboteurs are denying the state and Federal Government huge revenue.
“Painfully, their main targets are the petroleum pipelines and other critical national assets and infrastructure of government at all levels,” he said.

According to him, the only way to justify the establishment of NSCDC is to continue to enforce its core mandate of protecting petroleum pipelines and other critical assets and infrastructure of government. (NAN)

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