Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), has uncovered a vast dump site used in storing stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Agbada Community, Ikwerre local Government Area of Rivers State.
The ten plots fenced dump site which has 170 surface industrial tanks of 1,000 litres each and two metal storage tanks of about 5,500 capacity is less than two kilometres from the Agbada flow Station operated by Heirs Oil and Gas.
Four persons working in the dump site including the gate-keeper and supervisor were arrested.
Michael Ogar, the state commandant who led personnel of the Command and journalists to the dump site, explained that the premises was uncovered by the Command’s Antivandal Unit following credible information.
Ogar expressed concern over the proximity of the dump site to the Agbada Flow Station, adding that a comprehensive investigation has been launched into the illegal business.
He stressed that the premises which is currently being manned by personnel of the Command will remain sealed until the investigation to unravel the owner is concluded.
The NSCDC boss also reiterated that any building or site where illegal oil bunkering activities are discovered would be sealed by the Corps and subsequently forfeited to the federal government.
Some of the suspects arrested in the dump site however, denied any involvement in crude oil theft, saying they are carrying out genuine business in the site.
The Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft had recently visited the Agbada Flow Station as part of its field investigation into the menace in the Niger Delta.
During the visit, the Vice President, Heirs Oil and Gas, Bola Bode told the Committee that the 55,000 barrels per day capacity production facility has not produced a single barrel since May this year and blamed the development on oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
