The Nigeria Police Force stated on Friday that it had apprehended four alleged oil thieves and recovered 40,000 gallons of petroleum products.
The accused were captured by officers from the Inspector General of Police’s Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Spokesperson, claimed that the arrest is consistent with the force’s continuous efforts to combat oil theft, illicit bunkering, and economic sabotage.
“On September 12, 2024, operatives collaborated with the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, to uncover a storage facility in Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, utilised for handling and processing illegally acquired crude oil.
“The operation led in the arrest of four suspects: Emmanuel Nwachi (58 years old), Adamu Bala (35 years old), Nura Musa (22 years old), and Bashir Abubakar (28 years old), as well as the recovery of 40,000 litres of petroleum products stashed in 67 white storage tanks.
The team also demolished the site and seized the equipment and machinery used to commit the crimes.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to combating all forms of crime, criminality, and corruption, especially those engaged in economic sabotage.
“The Force remains steadfast and will continue to bring these perpetrators to justice,” Adejobi said in a statement on Friday.
Bottom Line
Oil theft is a major problem in Nigeria, costing the country billions of dollars annually. The arrest of these individuals and the seizure of the petroleum products can have a positive impact on the economy by reducing the loss of revenue.
The arrest of these individuals could serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in similar activities. It shows that the Nigerian Police Force is taking a proactive approach to combating oil theft.
