In a significant operation aimed at curbing illegal petroleum activities in Anambra State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illegal artisanal refinery and unregistered petrol station in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Navy, led to the seizure of large quantities of suspected adulterated petroleum products, with one suspect arrested.
The operation took place on Saturday afternoon after a tip-off from credible intelligence about illicit petroleum activities in the area. The joint task force, which had been monitoring the region for signs of illegal dealings, swiftly moved in and discovered the refinery and station at Y-Junction, a notorious hotspot for underground oil operations.
According to Okadigbo Edwin, the Head of Media and Tactical Unit of the NSCDC in Anambra, the raid was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal petroleum trade, which poses serious environmental and economic risks. Edwin confirmed that several petroleum products were intercepted, including 49 kegs of 25 litres each, filled with suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), four 200-litre drums containing adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a pumping machine used in siphoning petroleum products.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of one suspect, though other individuals involved in the illegal activities fled the scene upon the arrival of the security forces. Edwin added that the seized items were promptly handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.
Maku Olatunde, the State Commandant of the NSCDC in Anambra, praised the successful operation and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among security agencies to tackle the illegal oil trade in the state. “This operation exemplifies our commitment to ridding Anambra State of all forms of illegal petroleum dealings. We are determined to clamp down on individuals or groups operating illegal refineries and petrol stations that undermine the economy and put lives at risk,” Olatunde said in a statement.
The Commandant further warned that perpetrators of illegal oil activities should stay clear of Anambra, as the NSCDC is resolute in its efforts to apprehend and prosecute economic saboteurs. He also reiterated that the government and security agencies are keen on protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil sector operates legally and transparently. “We will continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army and Navy, as well as other law enforcement agencies, to ensure that these illegal activities do not thrive,” Olatunde stated.
The illegal refinery operations in Nigeria have long been a source of concern for both environmental and economic reasons. Artisanal refineries, which often lack basic safety protocols, frequently result in widespread pollution and health hazards for surrounding communities. Furthermore, the sale of adulterated petroleum products, such as PMS and AGO, can cause severe damage to vehicles and machinery, leading to significant financial losses.
In addition to the environmental and health risks, these illegal activities also contribute to the country’s ongoing battle with economic sabotage, as they evade taxation and regulation, depriving the government of crucial revenue. As a result, the NSCDC’s operation in Anambra is seen as a major step toward curbing these unlawful practices and securing the state’s petroleum sector.
Following the success of the operation, the NSCDC has vowed to intensify efforts in ensuring that the region remains free from illegal oil activities. The command also announced plans to strengthen surveillance and intelligence-gathering mechanisms in other areas vulnerable to similar criminal enterprises.