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, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

This is contained in a statement released on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Friday.

“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,” it said.

According to the statement, the arrest of the suspects followed an operation involving personnel from the Operations Department, oil and gas, armed squad, as well as anti-vandalism units of the command.

It added that the suspects were identified as Ibrahim Bello, 28; Musbahu Adam, 38; Rabiu Dahiru, 27; Haruna Kabiru, 26; and Sunusi Ahmad, 25.

“The operation forms part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, protect the environment, and enforce compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing oil and gas operations,” the statement said.

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Following the operation, the illegal refining site was sealed off by the Corps, while investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal activities and determine appropriate legal action against the suspects.

The command warned that illegal refining activities pose serious threats to public safety and the environment, potentially resulting in pollution, environmental degradation and other hazards. Such activities also undermine legitimate economic operations and threaten the nation’s economic interests.

The command reiterated its commitment to combating illegal activities that threaten public safety, environmental sustainability and national economic security, urging members of the public to provide credible information about suspicious activities to security agencies to support the fight against economic sabotage.

The Command assured the public that investigations would be conducted diligently and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law. ( PUNCH)