From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully busted an illegal Diesel refining site in the Gombe metropolis and arrested three suspects. According to the Corps, the operation was carried out following a report that was received from some residents.
The arrested suspects who include the owner of the refinery and some buyers of the product were paraded before newsmen by the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Muhammad Bello Muazu on Thursday at the command’s headquarters in Gombe metropolis. He explained that the illegal refining site was discovered after a tip-off from members of the public who were suspicious of unusual activities taking place and a distinctive smell emanating from the site which is in the midst of residential buildings in the area.
According to the Commandant, upon receiving the tip-off the NSCDC detailed some officers to investigate and later discovered the massive illegal diesel refining and production operation. He revealed that the operation was being conducted behind the residence of the lead suspect with no regard for safety or environmental laws.
Muazu added that during the operation over 420 liters of illegally refined diesel were recovered and confiscated. The Commandant disclosed that the Corps has enlisted the help of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to help with the investigation. He said, “There are a lot of dangers and hazards in such activities, especially when it has to do with chemicals, acidic substances, wastes, and other solid materials, and they doing these things in the midst of people including children and other families”.
He further explained that the NSCDC and other agencies have always warned against the dangers of illegal refining of products, which has become rampant in many parts of the country. He reiterated its commitment of Corp to clamp down on illegal refining sites and other illegal activities that threaten the safety and security of the country.
Muazu also called on members of the public to report any suspicious activities that could lead to the discovery of illegal refining sites and other criminal activities. He urged Nigerians to avoid patronizing illegally refined products as it exposes them to the risk of explosions and other hazards.