The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sealed an illegal petroleum refining site in Ebonyi State, arresting four suspects in connection with the operation.
The Ebonyi State Command spokesperson, ASC Emmanuel Uneke, shared the details on Monday.
According to Uneke, NSCDC’s Anti-vandal Squad discovered the illegal refining site in Ugwuachara, Abakaliki, during an intelligence-led operation on November 9, 2024. A tanker truck holding 45,000 liters of unrefined petroleum was also found at the site.
The suspects, identified as Patrick Peter, Monday David, Aliyu Muhammed, and Oke Jeremiah, were reportedly using fake documentation to transport petroleum to Cross River State, which investigators suspect could have been a cover for illegal activities.
Uneke stated, “The suspects are cooperating with the Command to uncover the source of the products. A thorough investigation will ensure all involved in this illegal activity are brought to justice.”
The state Commandant, Francis Nnadi, encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity in the petroleum sector to the NSCDC or other law enforcement agencies, adding that “combatting illegal oil refining and related crimes requires community cooperation.”
