The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a long container truck loaded with approximately 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) following a tip-off.
In a statement released by Afolabi Babawale National Public Relations Officer, the NSCDC disclosed that the truck, which has an in-built storage tank, was seized around the Eleme flyover in the Elelewon area of Port Harcourt.
According to AS Dandaura, head of the CG’S SIS, operatives swiftly responded to the intelligence report and intercepted the red head, navy blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY.
“Upon spotting the security operatives, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck was loaded with stolen crude oil siphoned from vandalized wellheads and damaged pipelines”, he said.
Dandaura described the act as a grave case of economic sabotage, adding that the NSCDC has launched an investigation to track down the culprits and their collaborators.
“For the records, the exhibits recovered include a red head and navy blue container truck with 10 tyres (Reg. No. AGL564-XL) and an estimated content of about 70,000 litres of stolen crude,” Dandaura stated.
He further noted that at the conclusion of a thorough investigation, the NSCDC would seek a court order for the forfeiture of both the truck and its contents, with proceeds from the seizure to be deposited into the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).
The CG’S SIS Commander reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to tackling oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta, vowing that all suspects connected to the incident would be brought to justice.
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