NSCDC Uncovers Illegal Refinery, Petrol Station in Anambra; Suspect Arrested
By: Ngozi Okonkwo
llegal Refinery and Petrol Station Busted in Anambra: NSCDC Arrests One, Others Flee
In a decisive operation aimed at curbing the illegal trade in petroleum products, the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illicit artisanal refinery and unauthorized petrol dispensing outlet operating within Nkwelle Ezunaka, a town located in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The discovery, which marks a significant success in the ongoing clampdown on oil-related crimes in the state, was the result of a joint tactical operation carried out by the NSCDC in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy. The operation was conducted on Saturday, following a credible intelligence report that pointed to suspicious petroleum-related activities at the Y-Junction axis of Nkwelle Ezunaka.
According to a press release issued on Sunday by the NSCDC’s Head of Media and Tactical Unit, Mr. Okadigbo Edwin, the coordinated raid was initiated around 1:45 PM and led to the arrest of one suspect at the scene, while several others managed to escape before they could be apprehended. The statement emphasized the critical role of intelligence in uncovering the illegal operation, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling crimes of this nature.
During the operation, security personnel intercepted and seized a range of petroleum products suspected to have been tampered with or adulterated. Among the confiscated items were 49 kegs, each with a capacity of 25 litres, filled with what is believed to be contaminated Automotive Gas Oil (commonly known as diesel). Also recovered from the site were four industrial-sized drums of 200 litres each, suspected to contain adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), along with one pumping machine used in the illegal distribution of the products.
Mr. Edwin described the raid as a major breakthrough in the ongoing effort to dismantle illegal oil bunkering and black-market fuel distribution networks that not only endanger lives and property but also undermine the national economy.
He noted that the Command remains committed to intensifying surveillance and sustaining its enforcement efforts across the state, particularly in areas identified as hotspots for illegal petroleum activities. He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency, stressing that community involvement is crucial in the fight against economic sabotage.
The arrested suspect is currently in custody and is undergoing preliminary investigation. The NSCDC has assured that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining individuals who fled the scene during the raid.
This latest development once again highlights the scale of the challenge posed by illegal refining and fuel black markets in Nigeria, and the critical need for sustained inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-led operations to combat them effectively.
