The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 40 suspected oil thieves and two vessels in two different interceptions at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed the arrests in a Saturday statement.
He said
the force as part of its intensified efforts to curb the illegal oil theft and economic sabotage in the country and in conjunction with the military and other relevant security agencies, has been in active liaison on intelligence sharing and collaboration with Private Security Contractors (PSCs) engaged by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) particularly Tantita Security Services.
According to Adejobi, the efforts paid off with the suspects of the 40 suspects and two vessels for conspiracy, tampering with oil pipeline, illegal transportation of crude oil, dealing in crude and storing same without lawful authority or appropriate licence amongst others.
The FPRO said the suspects were apprehended and subjected to investigation having established a prima facie case against them.
He added that they would be arraigned in court to face charges related to economic sabotage and oil theft which have been filed.
“Similarly, vessels used in the illegal activities have been seized as part of the evidence against the suspects.
“Specifically, arraignment for suspects involved in the case of one of the vessels is scheduled for 26th February, 2024 while the motion for interim forfeiture of the vessel and products contained therein will be heard on 19th February, 2024.
“However, preliminary investigations have indicted numerous individuals and companies including their foreign collaborators who will in due course be interrogated and caused to face the full wrath of the law.
“The Inspector-General of Police has therefore urged the public to be vigilant and report all suspicious activities related to oil theft and economic sabotage to the NPF, in line with its mandate as enshrined in Section 4 (d) of the Police Act 2020 empowering the Police to enforce all laws without any prejudice to the enabling Act of other security agencies,” the statement read in part.
The IGP stressed that the police is committed to improved synergy with all relevant stakeholders including other government security agencies towards putting an end to the illegal activities of oil theft and economic sabotage in the country and would continue to intensify its strategies and operations to curb same, while not hesitating to bring to justice any individual or group involved in such illegal activities.