The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recovered over 100,000 litres of illegally refined diesel in Rivers State.
14 suspects between the ages of 31 and 49 who have been arrested in connection to the crime, have been paraded on Tuesday April 5.
Addressing journalists, Spokesperson of the command, Olufemi Ayodele who displayed the impounded automobiles and merchandise at the Corps Headquarters in Port Harcourt, said that they’d intensify the battle against the unlawful refining of crude oil within the state regardless of the seeming resistance by the perpetrators of the crime.
The merchandise displayed have been concealed in plastic luggage, a typical tactic by the criminals to beat security checks.
Ayodele additionally revealed that the 103,800 litres of diesel suspected to be illegally refined, have been intercepted whereas being transported in small automobiles and vans to different places inside and outside Rivers State.
The 14 suspects have been arrested for both transporting the merchandise on land and on waterways, or being in possession of aluminum materials used within the fabrication of Illegal refineries.
The suspects have been arrested in Obio/Akpor, Ahoada East, Ikwerre, Degema and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas.
Two picket boats, 4 vans, and 4 vehicles have been additionally impounded in the course of the operation. Ayodele added that the suspects shall be prosecuted in line with the legislation.
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