The Nigeria Police Force announced on Friday the arrest of four individuals suspected of oil theft and the recovery of 40,000 litres of petroleum products. The suspects were apprehended by operatives from the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering.
Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi explained that the arrests were part of the police’s ongoing campaign against oil theft, illegal bunkering, and economic sabotage. According to him, the breakthrough occurred on September 12, 2024, when operatives, in collaboration with the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, discovered a storage facility in Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The facility was being used to process illegally obtained crude oil.
Adejobi reported that the operation led to the arrest of four suspects: Emmanuel Nwachi, 58; Adamu Bala, 35; Nura Musa, 22; and Bashir Abubakar, 28. Additionally, 40,000 litres of petroleum products were recovered from 67 white storage tanks. The police also dismantled the site and confiscated the equipment used for the illegal activities.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s determination to combat crime, corruption, and economic sabotage. He emphasized the Force’s resolve to bring offenders to justice.
