By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Police uncover foreign collaborators in oil theft.
Suspected Oil Thieves Implicate Foreign Collaborators – Police
The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that 40 individuals apprehended for involvement in oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta have implicated companies and individuals, including foreign collaborators.
The Force disclosed that two vessels engaged in transporting stolen crude oil were intercepted at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, it was highlighted that the arrests were made in collaboration with the military and other relevant security agencies.
Adejobi mentioned that security agencies have been actively sharing intelligence and collaborating with private security contractors engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, particularly the Tantita Security Services.
He further explained that the joint efforts resulted in the apprehension of 40 suspects and the recovery of two vessels involved in illegal activities related to oil theft and pipeline tampering.
The suspects, accused of conspiracy, illegal transportation of crude oil, and other related offenses, will be prosecuted after investigations.
Adejobi emphasized that the vessels used in the illicit activities have been seized as evidence against the suspects, with arraignments scheduled for later dates.
Moreover, preliminary investigations have implicated several individuals and companies, including foreign collaborators, who will be thoroughly interrogated and brought to justice.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reported the destruction of over 10,000 illegal refineries and crude oil connections since 2021, underscoring the severity of the issue of oil theft in the country.
It was noted that oil theft significantly contributes to the decline in daily crude oil production.
Oil Theft, Foreign Collaborators