The Nigeria Police Force has successfully dismantled an illegal refinery, arrested four suspected oil thieves, and recovered 40,000 litres of petroleum products in Rivers State.
This major operation was part of the ongoing crackdown on oil theft, illegal bunkering, and economic sabotage.
In a press release on Friday, the force’s public relations officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, described the operation as a significant milestone in the police’s efforts to combat economic sabotage.
The raid was carried out by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) in conjunction with the Rivers State Command’s Department of Operations.
According to Mr. Adejobi, “On 12th September 2024, a joint team uncovered a storage facility in Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which was being used for the processing and storage of illegally obtained crude oil.”
The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects: 58-year-old Emmanuel Nwachi, Adamu Bala (35), Nura Musa (22), and Bashir Abubakar (28). Police recovered 40,000 litres of petroleum products, which had been stored in 67 white storage tanks at the illegal site.
“The team destroyed the site and seized the equipment and machinery used in the illicit activities,” Adejobi confirmed.
In response to the successful operation, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the police force’s determination to tackle crimes such as oil theft and illegal bunkering. “We are fully committed to eradicating all forms of criminality, corruption, and economic sabotage in the country,” the IGP stated.
He further assured that the force remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and will continue to bring offenders to book.
