The operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL) have destroyed a major camp of crude oil thieves in the creeks of Ondo State.

The security outfit and operatives of the NSCDC engaged the operators of the illegal crude oil camp in a gun duel before destroying the camp on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

The Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services of TSSNL, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, said in a statement on Monday that the incident which involved the Trans Extravis Pipeline occurred at Awoye sea-shore in Ilaje local government.

According to him, the Ondo State Commandant of Tantita, Idowu Asonja, led operatives in collaboration with the men of the NSCDC to storm the massive store where stolen crude was being sold to local buyers.

He noted that while the perpetrators of the criminal act escaped, the operatives seized 700 kegs filled with crude oil (21,000 litres) and two wooden boats filled with the crude oil, which were set ablaze.

He said: “It is indeed a successful but stressful trip. Our agents in Awoye area hinted us about the perpetration of the evil acts in that area with the thieves, according to the agents, believing that the place was impregnable.

“Our men in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, stormed the area on Sunday morning to destroy it totality and set everything ablaze as appeared in the photos and video attached to this content.

“Fortunately, we met 700 kegs filled with crude oil (about twenty-one thousands litres). All the kegs with the camp/store were set ablaze. Also we met two wooden boats filled with the crude oil, and all were set ablaze.”

Captain Enisuoh quoted Chief Asonja as having cautioned the people of the area against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

He urged them to support the war against economic sabotage being intensified with the combined efforts of the armed forces, the police, the NSCDC in collaboration with TSSL.

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