Operatives of the Anti-Vandal Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Rivers State Command, have uncovered an illegal facility in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area, used for the storage of stolen crude oil.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Iheanacho Umeado, disclosed that the site contained a large, unspecified quantity of substances believed to have been stolen from vandalised pipelines and stored in GP tanks.
He explained that the discovery followed days of credible intelligence gathering, which culminated in a swift operation at the location.
During an inspection of the site, the State Commandant, Joachin Okafor, reaffirmed the Corps’ stance against illegal bunkering, describing it as a serious threat to the nation’s economy and environment.
He warned perpetrators to desist or face strict legal consequences.
“The Corps maintains zero tolerance for illegal bunkering and will relentlessly pursue those involved, regardless of their status,” Okafor said.
He also raised concerns about the environmental damage caused by such activities and directed the Command’s Intelligence Department to intensify investigations to identify those responsible.
