NSCDC discovers illegal oil refinery in Sokoto

The Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Sokoto State, Mr. Babangida Dutsin-ma on Friday, said it had discovered an illegal refinery, operated in a rented apartment in Sokoto state.

Dutsin-ma disclosed that the NSCDC operatives discovered the small refinery located in a rented apartment owned by a popular Sokoto businessman, along Bodinga road in the suburb of Sokoto metropolis.

“The NSCDC anti-vandal team on surveillance detected the center in which those involved in the adulteration dug a big hole using a large tank in perpetrating the act.

“The ditch is connected to a transformer from which they tap electricity for heating the adulterated products,’’ he said.

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The commandant said that the perpetrators of the illicit act fled on sighting NSCDC officials in the area, adding that the officials confiscated some of the equipment, including jerry cans, empty metal drums, electric cables and containers, used in adulterating the petroleum products.

He said a preliminary investigation showed that the perpetrators adulterate petrol and black oil to produce various petroleum products and supply them to unsuspecting consumers.

Mr. Dutsin-ma therefore, encouraged the public, especially people in the area, to assist the command with useful information on any suspicious movements in their communities.

Meanwhile, Naija News had reported 30 new illegal refineries discovered by the Nigerian Navy, with combined capacity to produce about four million litres of petroleum products daily, in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.