IG task force arrests 17, recover 250,000 litres of crude oil

The Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering has recovered 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil during operations conducted across the country in July.

Additionally, the task force recovered 13 trucks and arrested 17 individuals in various operations nationwide.

Among the 17 suspects were members of a syndicate smuggling petroleum products to neighbouring countries, particularly Cameroon.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the arrests and recoveries were a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating petroleum theft and illegal bunkering.

He vowed that the police, through the task force, would intensify its efforts against oil thieves.

Adejobi said, “In total, 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of AGO were intercepted and recovered. A total of 13 trucks were recovered, and 17 individuals were arrested in various operations across the country.

“These achievements are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating petroleum theft and illegal bunkering. We will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure the security and integrity of our nation’s petroleum resources.”

In one of the arrests, Adejobi said the task force in Adamawa on July 13 intercepted three Toyota Corolla cars laden with 130 jerry cans of 25 litres each, filled with Premium Motor Spirit.

He explained, “On July 13, 2024, operatives of the task force in Adamawa intercepted three Toyota Corolla cars loaded with 130 jerry cans of 25-litre capacity, filled with a petroleum product suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit.

“One of the cars was carrying 50 jerry cans, while the other two carried 40 jerry cans each, making a total of 130 jerry cans. The vehicles and exhibits have been impounded at the Girei Divisional Police Headquarters in Adamawa State, and the suspects have been taken into custody. Preliminary investigation revealed that the culprits are part of an organised criminal syndicate specialising in smuggling petroleum products into neighbouring Cameroon.”

Adejobi also mentioned that on July 16, a truck laden with about 45,000 litres of petroleum product, suspected to be crude oil obtained through illicit means, was intercepted at the Igwuruta area of Rivers State.

“Analysis conducted on the product revealed it is crude oil, confirming our suspicion that it was sourced from theft through tampering with an oil pipeline. The court has been approached with a Motion for Interim Forfeiture via Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1072/2024,” he added.

He stated that during the investigation, one Eze Great claimed ownership of the product but could not provide a satisfactory explanation for how he obtained the crude oil.

“In the course of the investigation, one Chief Eze Great appeared and claimed ownership of the product. He has made statements under caution but could not offer a satisfactory explanation as to how he acquired the crude oil. Relevant charges will soon be filed,” he said.

The commander of the task force, Bayo Sulaiman, also stated that all 17 suspects have been charged, and their vehicles, trucks, and other exhibits have been forfeited to the government.