The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered an illegal valve connected to a major crude oil pipeline in the Umuoelechi creeks of Abia State.
The discovery, believed to be the handiwork of suspected oil thieves, was made during a routine surveillance operation.
According to a statement posted on the NSCDC’s official Facebook page, the tampered valve was found discreetly attached to a trunk line, allowing for the illegal siphoning of crude oil in large quantities without detection.
“The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) discovered an illegally connected valve on the crude oil pipeline at Umuoelechi creeks in Abia State,” the Corps noted.
The NSCDC said the illegal connection was part of a wider network used by criminal elements to divert crude oil, a practice that has significantly impacted Nigeria’s economy and posed serious environmental risks.
“This disturbing discovery is yet another reminder of the sophisticated methods employed by oil thieves to carry out their illicit activities,” the NSCDC stated.
“We are committed to intensifying surveillance and enforcement to put an end to these acts of sabotage.”
In a related operation within the state, the Special Intelligence Squad also dismantled three locally made wooden boats—popularly referred to as “pour-put” boats—used for transporting stolen crude oil to illegal refining camps in the creeks of Umuorie, located in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
“These wooden boats were fabricated for the purpose of conveying crude oil to artisanal refining sites hidden deep in the creeks,” the agency said.
The NSCDC reiterated its resolve to clamp down on illegal oil bunkering activities, stressing that it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to protect the country’s oil assets.
