Kabba/Bunu LGA Seals NIPCO Fuel Station, Seizes Truck And Tank Over Alleged Illegal Fuel Transport Linked To Criminal Networks

The Kabba/Bunu Local Government Authority has sealed the NIPCO Fueling Station in Kabba and confiscated a truck, a large fuel tank, and other petroleum products allegedly used for illegal fuel distribution believed to be aiding criminal syndicates operating within the region.

The action, taken on Saturday, follows months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated security operations by the Local Government Security Team. According to officials, security reports had repeatedly linked a particular truck to suspicious purchases of unusually large quantities of fuel which were routinely transported to remote forest areas around Kiri, other locations within Kabba/Bunu, and border communities stretching toward Niger State — zones known to harbour criminal elements.

The breakthrough came when security operatives, working closely with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), trailed and intercepted the truck along with the products allegedly being ferried for illicit use. The suspects and the seized items are currently in secure custody as investigations continue.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, ordered the immediate sealing of the NIPCO Fueling Station for violating an existing directive issued by the council. The order bans the sale of petroleum products in jerrycans, drums, or large tanks whenever such transactions appear suspicious or fall short of established security guidelines.

The Chairman explained that the directive remains a critical part of the LGA’s security strategy aimed at cutting off supplies that routinely end up sustaining the operations of bandits and terrorists hiding in forests and farmlands.

“These criminal groups rely heavily on fuel and other essentials to carry out attacks, and we are determined to disrupt their supply chains completely,” he said. He added that “this action should serve as a strong warning to individuals or businesses attempting to undermine the government’s efforts to restore peace.”

The Local Government Authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, securing communities, and ensuring that all perpetrators involved in fueling insecurity are brought to justice.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and officials assure that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.