By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Navy, has uncovered an illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station in Anambra.

The Illicit facility was discovered at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra.

NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Olatunde Maku, confirmed the operation in a statement released in Awka on Sunday by SC Edwin Okadigbo, Head of Media.

According to Maku, the discovery followed credible intelligence regarding suspected illegal petroleum activities in the area.

?At about 1:35 p.m. on Saturday, our team raided the site, apprehended one suspect, while others fled the scene.

?Operatives recovered 49 kegs of 25 litres each, suspected to contain adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, along with four 200-litre drums believed to hold adulterated Premium Motor Spirit at the scene.

?A pumping machine was also seized. The suspect have been handed over to the NSCDC for prosecution,? he stated.

Maku reaffirmed the NSCDC?s commitment to eradicating all forms of illegal petroleum-related activities in the state.

He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy and Army for their support during the operation.

The Commandant warned operators of illegal oil refineries and individuals impersonating PROTEAN personnel to stay away from Anambra state.

According to him, anyone involved in such unlawful activities would be identified, apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

?We are closely monitoring individuals and groups who conceal criminal oil-related activities behind fraudulent fronts, as well as those openly engaging in crimes within the oil, gas and energy sector.

?Should they refuse to desist, the Command remains resolute and will escalate enforcement actions across the state,? he said.

Maku also assured the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Army and the public that thorough investigations would be carried out and both the suspect and any accomplices still at large would be brought to justice in court.

?This collaboration with our sister security agencies highlights our united stand against crime in Anambra.

?As the lead agency in combating illegal dealings in petroleum products and curbing exploitative profiteering, the NSCDC warns all economic saboteurs to steer clear of the state.

?Our operational strategies are firmly in place to expose and bring them to justice,? he said. (NAN)

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