Emmanuel Oghenero
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State has uncovered of an illegal crude oil reservoir in the state, in the aftermath of a joint security operation the Nigerian Army and TANTITA Security Service.
As contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure, DSC Daniel Aidamenbor, the spokesperson for the command, stated that the illegal reservoir was concealed in a forest located in Obe-Akingboye, within the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The discovery occurred on Sunday at approximately 2:12 pm, but no arrests were made as the perpetrators had already fled the scene.
The state Commandant, Mr. Oluyemi Ibiloye, has warned individuals involved in illegal petroleum activities to cease immediately or face severe legal consequences.
He also reiterated the NSCDC’s dedication to safeguarding critical national assets, particularly within the solid minerals sector.
Illegal crude oil bunkering has long been a challenge in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, where criminal groups and local communities engage in the illicit extraction, refining, and distribution of crude oil.
The illegal activity has caused substantial financial losses to the government, and has had severe environmental damage, with polluted waterways and land due to unregulated refining processes.
Despite efforts to combat this, illegal bunkering remains a persistent issue in the region, impacting both the economy and the environment.
Analysts have also predicted that the recent Emergency Rule declaration in Rivers State may reawaken the surge.
