NIGERIA: NSCDC Seizes Truck Carrying 70,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude Oil In Rivers

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a truck loaded with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, disclosed that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) acted on a directive to curb pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illicit dealings in petroleum products within the Niger Delta region.

According to Babawale, the squad swiftly responded to an intelligence tip-off and intercepted a long caravan truck with an in-built tank, which was fully loaded with stolen crude oil.

“The truck was sighted in transit around the Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt, and was subsequently impounded by the CGS SIS,” he stated.

Squad Commander Sani Dandaura revealed that his team promptly moved to the scene and 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,” Dandaura said.

Babawale further noted that the truck’s occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled as operatives closed in on the scene.

He confirmed that the seized items, including the truck and its illicit cargo, have been taken into custody while investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the act of economic sabotage.

“For the record, the exhibits recovered include a red-head and navy-blue container truck with ten tyres (Reg. No. AGL574XY), containing approximately 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil,” he added.

Babawale emphasized that once the investigation is concluded, the NSCDC will seek a court order for the forfeiture of the truck and its contents. The proceeds from its disposal will be remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).