The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has arrested five suspects following the discovery of an illegal diesel refining site at Panisau in Ungogo Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out on October 30, 2026, involved personnel from the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department, Oil and Gas Unit, Armed Squad and Anti-Vandalism Unit.
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The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Bello, 28; Musbahu Adam, 38; Rabiu Dahiru, 27; Haruna Kabiru, 26; and Sunusi Ahmad, 25.
In a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Ibrahim Idris Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested over their alleged involvement in operating an unregistered and illegal oil and gas business.
The Command said the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, protect the environment and enforce compliance with laws regulating oil and gas activities.
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Following the discovery, the illegal refining site was sealed off, while investigations had commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the operation and determine appropriate legal action against the suspects.
The NSCDC warned that illegal refining activities posed serious threats to public safety and the environment, including pollution, environmental degradation and other potential hazards.
It added that such activities also undermined legitimate economic operations and threatened the nation’s economic interests.
The State Commandant, Commandant Hassan Mohammed Agalama, IION, reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling activities that threaten public safety, environmental sustainability and national economic security.
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He urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspicious activities to security agencies to strengthen the fight against economic sabotage.
The Command assured the public that investigations would be conducted diligently and that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.