The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded a truck loaded with stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt. According to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Afolabi Babawale, the truck was intercepted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) while on transit around Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt.

The NSCDC team, led by Commandant A.S. Dandaura, discovered that the redhead navy blue container truck with Registration number AGL574XY was fully loaded with siphoned stolen crude oil. He said the oil was illegally drawn from vandalised well-heads and destroyed pipelines.

“The conveyors of the truck fled the scene upon sighting the NSCDC operatives,” he said. Dandaura confirmed that the exhibits have been confiscated, and an investigation has been launched to track the syndicate responsible for the economic sabotage.

He noted that the operation is part of the NSCDC’s efforts to combat economic sabotage, including crude oil theft through pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering sites.

He said: “For the records, the exhibits recovered at the point of arrest are: A redhead and navy blue colour container with 10 tyres (Reg.no AGL564-XL), an estimated content of about 70,000 litres of stolen crude.

“Hence, at the expiration of a thorough investigation, the NSCDC would file for forfeiture of the mode of conveyance and the contents at the court of competent jurisdiction.

“Thereafter, the proceeds would be remitted to the proceeds of crime account (POCA),” Danduara said. The NSCDC spokesperson maintained that the agency would continue waging a relentless war against oil thieves and their sponsors, and he affirmed that suspects arrested would be brought to book after diligent investigation.