The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered five illegal crude oil dumps in the Jahi/Katampe axis of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
This was disclosed on Thursday, April 17, 2025, by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, who also confirmed the arrest of seven suspects allegedly involved in the illicit operation.
According to Afolabi, the arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation by the Corps aimed at curbing the illegal refining and distribution of crude oil derivatives within the nation’s capital.
The NSCDC spokesperson also said operatives of the Corps recovered several trucks and other exhibits from the suspects during the raid.
Items impounded include a white truck with three compartments loaded with 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, without any verifiable waybill.
In addition, four Mercedes Benz short peddler trucks and several other vehicles suspected to have been used in the illegal business were confiscated.
Other items recovered from the site include pumping machines, different sizes of hoses, a Mikano generator, and 23 surface metallic tanks, some of which contained large quantities of suspected diesel. A container shelter used for storage and operations was also seized.
Afolabi noted that the successful operation further reinforces the Corps’ resolve to wage an unrelenting war against crude oil theft and illegal oil dealings across the country.
He assured that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted accordingly to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in economic sabotage.
“This operation is a strong message to criminal elements sabotaging our economy that their days are numbered. We will not relent until we rid the nation of such illegal activities,” he said.
