Police Task Force Foils Massive Oil Theft in Nigeria
In a major breakthrough, the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering has recovered a staggering 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil in July operations across the country. The task force also seized 13 trucks and arrested 17 individuals, including members of a syndicate smuggling petroleum products to neighboring countries, particularly Cameroon.
Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, stating that the recoveries were a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating petroleum theft and illegal bunkering. Adejobi vowed that the police would intensify their efforts against oil thieves, ensuring the security and integrity of the nation’s petroleum resources.
In one notable arrest, the task force in Adamawa state intercepted three Toyota Corolla cars laden with 130 jerry cans of 25 litres each, filled with Premium Motor Spirit. Preliminary investigation revealed that the culprits were part of an organized criminal syndicate specialising in smuggling petroleum products into neighboring Cameroon.
The task force also intercepted a truck laden with about 45,000 litres of petroleum product, suspected to be crude oil obtained through illicit means, at the Igwuruta area of Rivers state. Analysis conducted on the product revealed it was indeed crude oil, confirming the suspicion that it was sourced from theft through tampering with an oil pipeline.
The commander of the task force, Bayo Sulaiman, revealed that all 17 suspects have been charged, and their vehicles, trucks, and other exhibits have been forfeited to the government. This major crackdown on oil theft highlights the Nigerian police’s determination to tackle this persistent problem and protect the country’s valuable petroleum resources.
