The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a truck loaded with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, dealing a major blow to oil thieves operating in the Niger Delta.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) acted swiftly on an intelligence tip-off to impound the illicit cargo.
“The truck was intercepted in transit around the Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt,” Babawale stated, adding that operatives moved in immediately to secure the vehicle.
According to the Squad Commander, AS Dandaura, the seized truck—a red-head, navy-blue container vehicle with registration number AGL574XY—was fully loaded with crude oil siphoned from vandalized wellheads and damaged pipelines. However, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting security personnel.
Babawale revealed that an investigation has been launched to track down the syndicate behind the operation, emphasizing that the NSCDC is committed to curbing crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal petroleum dealings.
“As part of legal proceedings, the NSCDC will seek the forfeiture of the seized truck and its contents. Proceeds from its sale will be remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA),” he added.
The CGS SIS has vowed to sustain the crackdown on oil theft, warning that all culprits, including their sponsors, will face the full wrath of the law.
