During operations carried out nationwide in July, the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering was able to recover 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of automotive petrol oil.
Furthermore, the task team conducted other nationwide operations around the country, recovering 13 trucks and apprehending 17 people.
Members of a gang smuggling petroleum products to bordering nations, especially Cameroon, were among the 17 accused.
Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said the arrests and seizures were evidence of the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to battling petroleum theft and illicit bunkering during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
He promised that the police will step up their efforts to catch oil thieves through the task force.
He 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.”
Adejobi reported that during one of the arrests, on July 13, the task force in Adamawa stopped three Toyota Corolla vehicles that were loaded with 130 jerry cans, each holding 25 litres of 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.”
All 17 suspects have been charged, and their cars, trucks, and other assets have been turned over to the government, according to task force commander Bayo Sulaiman.
