The Nigeria Police Force, in conjunction with the military and other security agencies, has intensified its endeavors to combat illicit oil theft and economic subversion. Through proactive collaboration and intelligence exchange with Private Security Contractors (PSCs) like Tantita Security Services engaged by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), notable progress has been achieved. Forty suspects have been detained, and two vessels have been reclaimed in separate interventions at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State. The apprehended individuals face charges related to collusion, tampering with oil pipelines, unauthorized transportation and trading of crude oil, and unauthorized storage of crude without legal authorization or appropriate permits.
The arrested parties are undergoing thorough scrutiny, with indications pointing to their complicity in economic subversion and oil theft. They will be brought before the court to answer for their transgressions. Additionally, the vessels utilized in the illicit activities have been impounded as evidence against the suspects. The court appearance for one of the vessels is slated for February 26, 2024, while the petition for temporary confiscation of the vessel and its contents will be adjudicated on February 19, 2024.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, divulged that preliminary inquiries have also implicated numerous individuals and corporations, including their overseas collaborators. These entities will undergo interrogation and confront legal repercussions in due course.
The Inspector-General of Police has urged the public to maintain vigilance and report any dubious activities associated with oil theft and economic subversion to the NPF. Such reports resonate with the Police’s mandate delineated in Section 4 (d) of the Police Act 2020, authorizing them to enforce all statutes impartially, notwithstanding the enabling Acts of other security agencies. The IGP underscored the Police’s dedication to enhanced cooperation with pertinent stakeholders and governmental security agencies to eradicate unlawful activities such as oil theft and economic subversion.
The Police will persist in escalating its strategies and operations to suppress these illicit activities. Any individual or faction implicated in such deeds will be swiftly and decisively brought to justice.
