The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has uncovered an illegal diesel refining site at Panisau in the Ungogo Local Government Area and arrested five suspects.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi, said this in a statement on Friday in Kano.

Mr Idris-Abdullahi said the suspects were arrested during an operation by personnel from the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department, Oil and Gas, Armed Squad and Anti-Vandalism Unit of the command.

He identified the suspects as Ibrahim Bello, 28, Musbahu Adam, 38, Rabiu Dahiru, 27, Haruna Kabiru, 26, and Sunusi Ahmad, 25.

“The suspects were allegedly involved in operating an unregistered and illegal oil and gas business,” the command’s spokesperson said.

He noted that the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, protect the environment and enforce compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing the oil and gas sector.

Mr Idris-Abdullahi said the illegal refining site had been sealed off, while investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the activities and determine appropriate legal action against the suspects.

The PPRO warned that illegal refining activities posed serious threats to public safety and the environment through pollution, environmental degradation and other hazards.

He added, “Such activities also undermine legitimate economic operations and threaten the nation’s economic interests.”

Mr Idris-Abdullahi said the command, under the leadership of Hassan Mohammed-Agalama, reiterated its commitment to combating illegal activities threatening public safety, environmental sustainability and national economic security.

He urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspicious activities to security agencies to support efforts to combat economic sabotage.

The command’s spokesperson assured that investigations would be conducted diligently and anyone found culpable would face the wrath of the law.

(NAN)