The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended three women for their involvement in oil pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and illegal dealings in petroleum products in the Umuodo, Umuajuloke community of Omuma Local Government Area In a statement released on Sunday, CSC Babawale Afolabi, the Public Relations Officer at the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja, detailed the successful operation which led to the arrests. The operation, driven by sustained intelligence, uncovered an illegal oil refinery at the crime scene and revealed large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). “Based on credible intelligence, we swung into action and arrested three suspects at the crime scene with large quantities of illegally refined AGO already stored inside metallic drums while others were inside cellophane bags,” Afolabi stated. The arrested suspects have been identified as Happiness Nwankwo, 45, Nnoma Nwankwo, 30, and Favour Amadi, all from Omuma in Rivers State. Recovered items at the scene included numerous drum ovens containing stolen crude oil undergoing processing, industrial hoses used to siphon crude oil from wellheads, and large quantities of stolen crude oil stored in cellophane bags and kegs. Additionally, metal and plastic buckets, wheelbarrows, shovels, and galvanized metal pipes were found at the site. The NSCDC has launched an investigation to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and to identify their sponsors. Those found culpable will be prosecuted. “The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ activities and to identify their sponsors. Those found guilty at the end of the investigation will be charged in court,” the statement concluded. This operation underscores the NSCDC’s commitment to combating oil theft and ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure.