NSCDC intercepts 70,000 liters of stolen crude Oil in Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a truck transporting approximately 70,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS), acting on intelligence.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the seizure, noting that the truck was impounded near the Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt.

He emphasized that the successful operation underscores the agency’s commitment to curbing crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the country.

According to Babawale, the CGS SIS team swiftly moved to the scene after receiving credible intelligence.

The intercepted vehicle, a red-head, navy-blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY, was found to have an in-built tank fully loaded with stolen crude oil siphoned from vandalized wellheads and destroyed pipelines.

READ ALSO: NSCDC arrests four suspects for economic sabotage and criminal activities

“Upon arrival, our operatives seized the truck, which was fully loaded with illegally sourced crude oil. However, the occupants of the vehicle managed to flee the scene before they could be apprehended,” Babawale stated.

Squad Commander AS Dandaura confirmed that the crude oil was illegally obtained from compromised pipelines, adding that a thorough investigation has been launched to track down those responsible for the theft.

Babawale further revealed that the NSCDC is preparing legal proceedings to seek the forfeiture of the truck and its contents.

He explained that, upon a court’s ruling, the proceeds from the sale of the impounded truck and crude oil would be deposited into the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA) as mandated by law.

“This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated. We will ensure that all those involved in this criminal enterprise face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

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Crude oil theft remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The illicit activity is costing the nation billions of dollars in lost revenue and has contributed to dwindling foreign investments in the oil and gas sector.

Nigeria has been struggling to meet its oil production targets due to pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.

The government has set a production target of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd) for the year, but output in the first two months of 2025 has hovered around 1.5 mbpd, far below expectations.

Experts have called for enhanced security measures, deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, and stricter penalties for oil thieves to curb the menace.

Industry analyst Dr. Vincent Ugo noted, “Crude oil theft is one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s economy. The government must intensify efforts to tackle this issue by increasing surveillance and working with local communities to prevent illegal oil siphoning.”

Another security expert, Retired Brigadier-General Adebayo Ajayi, suggested stronger collaboration between security agencies and oil companies.

“There is a need for better synergy between law enforcement agencies and oil industry stakeholders. Surveillance technology, including drones and real-time monitoring, should be deployed to detect and deter illegal activities in the sector,” he said.

The CGS SIS Commander reiterated that the squad remains fully committed to combating crude oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products.

He warned that those involved in oil-related crimes should expect swift justice.

“Our mission is clear: to protect Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines, and ensure that those who sabotage the economy face prosecution,” he declared.

As investigations continue, the NSCDC has assured the public of its dedication to securing national resources and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil wealth benefits its citizens rather than criminal syndicates.

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