The Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja announced that the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering recovered 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during operations across the country in July.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that the arrests and recoveries underscore the police’s commitment to combating petroleum theft and illegal bunkering. The task force, which recovered 13 trucks and arrested 17 individuals involved in smuggling petroleum products to neighboring countries, particularly Cameroon, is determined to intensify its efforts against oil thieves.
Adejobi confirmed that the 17 suspects have been charged, and their vehicles, trucks, and other exhibits have been forfeited to the government. He detailed that the operations led to the interception of 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of AGO, alongside the recovery of 13 trucks.
“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,” Adejobi said.
In one operation on July 13, 2024, task force operatives in Adamawa intercepted three Toyota Corolla cars loaded with 130 jerry cans of 25-litre capacity, filled with suspected Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The vehicles and exhibits were impounded, and the suspects are in custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are part of a syndicate smuggling petroleum products into Cameroon.
In another operation on July 16, a truck carrying 45,000 litres of crude oil, suspected to have been obtained through oil pipeline tampering, was intercepted in the Igwuruta area of Rivers State. Subsequent analysis confirmed it was crude oil. Legal proceedings for interim forfeiture of the product are underway, with one Eze Great claiming ownership but unable to explain how he obtained the oil. Relevant charges are expected to be filed soon.
