The Inspector-Normal of Police Particular Job Pressure on Petroleum and Unlawful Bunkering has recovered 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of Automotive Fuel Oil throughout operations carried out throughout the nation in July.
Moreover, the duty drive recovered 13 vans and arrested 17 people in numerous operations nationwide.
Among the many 17 suspects have been members of a syndicate smuggling petroleum merchandise to neighbouring nations, significantly Cameroon.
Talking throughout a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Pressure Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, mentioned the arrests and recoveries have been a testomony to the Nigeria Police Pressure’s dedication to combating petroleum theft and unlawful bunkering.
He vowed that the police, by the duty drive, would intensify its efforts towards oil thieves.
Adejobi mentioned, “In complete, 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of AGO have been intercepted and recovered. A complete of 13 vans have been recovered, and 17 people have been arrested in numerous operations throughout the nation.
“These achievements are a testomony to the Nigeria Police Pressure’s dedication to combating petroleum theft and unlawful bunkering. We are going to proceed to accentuate our efforts to make sure the safety and integrity of our nation’s petroleum assets.”
In one of many arrests, Adejobi mentioned the duty drive in Adamawa on July 13 intercepted three Toyota Corolla vehicles laden with 130 jerry cans of 25 litres every, stuffed with Premium Motor Spirit.
He defined, “On July 13, 2024, operatives of the duty drive in Adamawa intercepted three Toyota Corolla vehicles loaded with 130 jerry cans of 25-litre capability, stuffed with a petroleum product suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit.
“One of many vehicles was carrying 50 jerry cans, whereas the opposite two carried 40 jerry cans every, making a complete of 130 jerry cans. The automobiles and reveals have been impounded on the Girei Divisional Police Headquarters in Adamawa State, and the suspects have been taken into custody. Preliminary investigation revealed that the culprits are a part of an organised felony syndicate specialising in smuggling petroleum merchandise into neighbouring Cameroon.”
Adejobi additionally talked about that on July 16, a truck laden with about 45,000 litres of petroleum product, suspected to be crude oil obtained by illicit means, was intercepted on the Igwuruta space of Rivers State.
“Evaluation carried out on the product revealed it’s crude oil, confirming our suspicion that it was sourced from theft by tampering with an oil pipeline. The court docket has been approached with a Movement for Interim Forfeiture through Swimsuit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1072/2024,” he added.
He acknowledged that throughout the investigation, one Eze Nice claimed possession of the product however couldn’t present a passable rationalization for the way he obtained the crude oil.
“In the middle of the investigation, one Chief Eze Nice appeared and claimed possession of the product. He has made statements underneath warning however couldn’t provide a passable rationalization as to how he acquired the crude oil. Related prices will quickly be filed,” he mentioned.
The commander of the duty drive, Bayo Sulaiman, additionally acknowledged that each one 17 suspects have been charged, and their automobiles, vans, and different reveals have been forfeited to the federal government.