Suspects flee as Army, NSCDC busts illegal crude oil reservoir in Ondo

The Nigeria Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in a joint operation, uncovered a massive illegal crude oil reservoir in Ondo State. The latest discovery comes barely a month after the Nigeria Navy busted and seized 22,000 litres of stolen crude oil discovered at an illegal oil refining camp at Ojumoka, in […]

The Nigeria Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in a joint operation, uncovered a massive illegal crude oil reservoir in Ondo State.

The latest discovery comes barely a month after the Nigeria Navy busted and seized 22,000 litres of stolen crude oil discovered at an illegal oil refining camp at Ojumoka, in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The operation, which was carried out by the operatives of the tactical unit of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, was achieved through credible intelligence.

During the discovery, three fibre speedboats were seized along the Ugbonla waterside in Ilaje.

But in a statement on Tuesday, Daniel Aidamenbor, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NSCDC in the state, said the illegal crude oil reservoir was uncovered during a joint operation with the Nigerian Army and TANTITA Security Service.

Mr Aidamenbor also explained that the reservoir was hidden in a forest in One-Akingboye, in the same Ilaje LGA.

He explained that no arrest was made during the operation as the suspects had fled the scene of the crime before the arrival of the security agencies, saying that the discovery was made on Sunday at about 02:12pm.

“The Ondo state commandant, Oluyemi Ibiloye, has issued a stern warning to those involved in illegal dealings in petroleum products to desist or face the full weight of the law.

‘’He also reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets, particularly in the solid minerals sector,” the NSCDC spokesman said.