By Fredrick Ameh
In a major crackdown on oil theft, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Navy have recorded a significant operational breakthrough in Ondo State, reinforcing efforts to combat economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The joint operation, carried out at Awoye waterside in Igbokoda, led to the interception of a large wooden boat conveying suspected stolen petroleum products. According to the NSCDC, the vessel was loaded with 10 plastic tanks, each with a capacity of 7,000 litres. At the time of interception, six of the tanks were already filled, totaling approximately 42,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
Five suspects were arrested at the scene, and the seized items have been taken into custody for further investigation. The NSCDC attributed the success to strengthened inter-agency collaboration driven by the strategic direction of Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who has emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to oil theft.
Speaking during a joint briefing, the Ondo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Oluyemi Ibiloye, described oil theft as a major threat to Nigeria’s economic stability. He stressed that the Corps, in partnership with other security agencies, would sustain coordinated operations to dismantle criminal networks and protect critical national assets.
Authorities noted that the operation highlights the effectiveness of unified security efforts in tackling illegal activities within maritime corridors. Investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate.