To stem the tide of illegal oil theft and economic sabotage plaguing Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has ramped up collaboration with private security contractors (PSCs) engaged by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), notably Tantita Security Services. This collaborative approach, which also involves the military and other relevant security agencies, has yielded significant results in recent operations targeting criminal activities in the oil-rich regions of the country.
Forty (40) suspected individuals have been apprehended, and two (2) vessels have been seized in separate interceptions at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State. The suspects face charges related to conspiracy, tampering with oil pipelines, illegal transportation of crude oil, dealing in crude, and storing oil without lawful authority or appropriate licenses, among other offenses.
Following their arrest, the suspects are undergoing thorough investigation, with plans underway for their arraignment in court. Arraignment for individuals involved in one of the vessels is scheduled for February 26, 2024, while a motion for the interim forfeiture of the vessel and its contents will be heard on February 19, 2024.
Preliminary investigations have also implicated numerous individuals and companies, including their foreign collaborators, who will be interrogated and brought to justice in due course.
Inspector-General of Police has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to oil theft and economic sabotage to the NPF. The Police, empowered by Section 4 (d) of the Police Act 2020, is committed to enforcing all laws without prejudice to the enabling acts of other security agencies.
The IGP emphasized the importance of improved synergy among all stakeholders, including government security agencies, to combat illegal activities effectively. The Police will continue to intensify its strategies and operations to curb oil theft and economic sabotage, ensuring that individuals or groups involved in such illicit activities face the full force of the law.
