The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested five suspects over alleged illegal diesel refining at Panisau, Ungoggo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The suspects were arrested during an operation by personnel of the NSCDC Kano State Command, involving its Operations Department, oil and gas unit, armed squad and anti-vandalism unit.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Bello, 28; Musbahu Adam, 38; Rabiu Dahiru, 27; Haruna Kabiru, 26; and Sunusi Ahmad, 25.
According to the statement, the suspects were allegedly operating an unregistered oil and gas business at the site.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, has busted an illegal diesel refining site at Panisau, Ungoggo Local Government Area of Kano State, arresting five suspects over the alleged operation of an unregistered and illegal oil and gas business,” the statement said.
The command said the operation was part of its efforts to combat economic sabotage, protect the environment and enforce regulations governing oil and gas activities.
It added that the illegal refining site had been sealed off, while investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged activities and determine appropriate legal action against the suspects.
The NSCDC warned that illegal refining posed serious threats to public safety and the environment, including pollution, environmental degradation and other hazards.
It also urged residents to provide credible information about suspicious activities to security agencies, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
West Trybe reports that the arrests highlight the NSCDC’s efforts to check illegal petroleum-related activities in Kano, while the ongoing investigation is expected to establish the extent of the alleged operation and the suspects’ individual roles.
