Security agencies have discovered an illegal refinery and petrol station in Anambra State.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in partnership with the Nigerian Army and Navy, uncovered the illegal operation at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka, in the Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
NSCDC State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, confirmed the discovery in a statement issued on Sunday by the corps’ spokesperson, Edwin Okadigbo.
He said the illegal site was found on Saturday around 1:35 p.m. after the team received reliable information about suspicious petroleum activities in the area.
“Our operatives raided the site and arrested one suspect, while others escaped. We recovered 49 kegs of 25 litres each, suspected to be filled with adulterated diesel, and four 200-litre drums believed to contain adulterated petrol. A pumping machine was also found and seized,” Maku stated.
He said the arrested suspect is now in NSCDC custody and will face prosecution.
The commandant praised the Nigerian Army and Navy for supporting the operation and stressed that the NSCDC will continue to fight all forms of illegal oil activities in the state.
“We are warning all those running illegal refineries or pretending to be petroleum officials to stay away from Anambra State. If you are caught, you will be arrested and taken to court,” Maku said.
He also said that some people are hiding their illegal oil businesses behind fake organisations, while others operate openly. He warned that both types would be tracked down.
“If they do not stop, we will increase our operations across the state. We are watching closely,” he said.
Maku assured the public that proper investigations will be carried out to arrest the remaining suspects and anyone connected to the crime.
“This operation shows our strong teamwork with other security agencies. We are fully prepared to expose those sabotaging the economy through illegal oil deals,” he said.
