The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has destroyed 10 illegal modular refineries operating in Okohia and Owaza oil-bearing communities of the state.
The state Commandant, Ayinla Olowo, disclosed this in Umuahia Wednesday, while briefing newsmen on the command’s strategic efforts to crack down on dealers in illegal petroleum products and refineries.
Olowo said the command’s efforts paid off last Sunday, when its “Operation Sting” made a major breakthrough in a seven-hour operation in Okohia and Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the State.
The Commandant explained that the first thing his team did was to destroy the pipes supplying product from the Shell Petroleum pipelines to the 10 cooking pots used for the refining of crude inside the forest.
“Thereafter, they set six of the pots ablaze but left four to avoid fire that could cause collateral damage to the farmlands, economic trees and a major Shell pipeline in the area.
“We have succeeded in frustrating and putting an end to the activities of the operators of the illegal refineries,” the state NSCDC boss said.
He regretted that the operators fled the area before the operatives arrived at the place for the operation.
“But we are presently on their trail and we will leave no stone unturned until they are arrested and brought to justice.
“My message to them is not to think of coming back to the area,” he said.
Olowo said that, in the interim, the area had been cordoned off by the Anti-vandalism Squad, pending when Shell Petroleum would disconnect the pipes connected to the cooking pots.
He hoped that the development would finally put both sellers and buyers of stolen petroleum products out of business.
He commended his operatives for executing the operation professionally, which helped to prevent fire and other forms of environmental pollution in the area.
“It was an uphill task for my men, especially when they observed that legitimate agricultural activities are going on in the area,” he said.
He said that the current leadership of the corps, under the Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, had zero tolerance for vandalism and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
He, therefore, admonished the youths of the area to engage themselves in legitimate means of livelihood and avoid crime and criminality.
Olowo pointed out that the command was willing to partner with the natives to fish out the bad eggs among them. NAN
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