The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) intercepted a long caravan truck with a concealed in-built tank fully loaded with stolen crude oil, following a swift response to an intelligence tip-off.
In a statement on Monday, CSC Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) National Headquarters, Abuja, confirmed that the truck was spotted in transit near the Eleme Flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt, before being impounded by operatives of the CG’S SIS.
Speaking on the operation, CG’S SIS Commander, Commandant AS Dandaura, revealed that his team was immediately deployed to the location, where they intercepted a red-head navy blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY. The vehicle was found to be fully loaded with crude oil siphoned from vandalized wellheads and damaged pipelines.
According to Commandant Dandaura, the suspects abandoned the truck and fled upon noticing the approaching security operatives. He further stated that the impounded vehicle and its contents had been secured as part of an ongoing investigation aimed at dismantling the criminal syndicate responsible for the theft.
“For the records, the exhibits recovered at the point of arrest are: a red-head and navy blue container with 10 tyres (Reg. No. AGL574XY) and an estimated content of about 70,000 litres of stolen crude,” he disclosed.
He further explained the next course of action, stating, “Upon the expiration of a thorough investigation, the NSCDC would file for forfeiture of the mode of conveyance and the contents at a court of competent jurisdiction. Thereafter, the proceeds would be remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).”
Reaffirming the squad’s commitment to combating oil theft and its sponsors, Commandant Dandaura vowed that all individuals involved in the illicit operation would be tracked down and brought to justice after a comprehensive investigation.
