According to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) Abia State Command, an illicit refinery operating inside a bush in the Isiala Ihie community of Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State has been found.

Along with the discovery of substantial amounts of petroleum products thought to have been tapped from a nearby vandalized petroleum pipeline, the command also apprehended two suspects in the vicinity.

According to a press release from Doreen Udugwu, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC’s Abia State Command, the arrest was made by the Crack Squad after they discovered an illegal refinery that was deftly concealed in the Isiala Ihie community’s woodland.

According to the statement, during the sting operation, huge quantities of petroleum products at various stages of processing were seized by the crack squad.

Akinsola Aderemi, the commandant of the NSCDC in Abia State, told reporters in his office on Wednesday that more inquiries would be conducted to find and capture everyone responsible for the heinous crime.

He pointed out that the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had ordered the busting of the illicit refinery and the arrest of the culprits in order to combat illegal bunkering.

According to Akinsola, the Abia State Command would do everything in its power to keep the state safe and secure for all law-abiding inhabitants.

He also urged the public to work with the NSCDC by supplying reliable information that would help apprehend those with criminal intent.