NSCDC Seizes Truck Carrying 70,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, Rivers State - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a large container truck carrying approximately 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a successful operation conducted in Port Harcourt. The seizure, carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS), followed crucial intelligence received by the agency.

According to a statement released by NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, the truck, equipped with an in-built storage tank, was seized near the Eleme flyover in the Elelewon area of Port Harcourt.

AS Dandaura, head of the CG’S SIS, detailed the operation, stating that operatives acted swiftly on the provided information, intercepting the red head, navy blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY. Upon the arrival of the NSCDC team, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck was loaded with stolen crude oil siphoned from vandalized wellheads and damaged pipelines," Dandaura stated. He condemned the act as a serious case of economic sabotage, and assured that the NSCDC has initiated a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the fleeing suspects and their accomplices.

The recovered exhibits include the truck, a red head and navy blue container truck with 10 tyres (Reg. No. AGL564-XL), and an estimated 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Dandaura further confirmed that upon completion of the investigation, the NSCDC will seek a court order for the forfeiture of both the truck and its contents, with the proceeds to be deposited into the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).

The CG’S SIS Commander reiterated the NSCDC's unwavering commitment to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, emphasizing that all individuals involved in the illegal operation will be brought to justice.