The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, on Wednesday disclosed that operatives of the Corps have destroyed over 100 illegal refineries across the country in the last two years. He also said that 200 suspects have been arrested in connection with the refineries.

Audi made this disclosure while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Commandant General’s Conference in the year 2023. He said that the NSCDC is committed to tackling the problem of illegal oil refining in Nigeria, and that the destruction of the illegal refineries and the arrest of the suspects are part of the Corps’ efforts to achieve this goal.

“Over 100 illegal refineries destroyed and over 200 suspects arrested in two years. We also need to intensify our efforts in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, tackle the challenge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, ensure protection of farmers and farmland to guarantee food security, protect facilities in the power, telecoms and transportation sector with an emphasis on rail infrastructure, among others.

“We must begin to deploy new strategies in tackling the spate of insecurity in the land. In this direction, the corps has prioritised training and retraining, as well as procurement of modern operational and communication equipment in our determination to further enhance the capacity of the corps.”

Audi also warned that the NSCDC will not tolerate any form of illegal oil refining activity, and that anyone caught engaging in such activity will be arrested and prosecuted. He urged the public to report any illegal oil refining activity to the NSCDC.