The police reported the interception of two vessels carrying stolen crude oil at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State.
Two vessels transporting stolen crude oil were intercepted by authorities at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State, as confirmed by the police.
The arrest, as stated by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, was conducted in coordination with the military and various relevant security agencies.
He mentioned that security agents have established a close liaison for intelligence sharing and collaboration with private security contractors, notably the Tantita Security Services, engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
‘The efforts led to the arrest of 40 suspected individuals and recovery of two vessels in two different interceptions at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State, for conspiracy, tampering with oil pipeline, illegal transportation of crude oil, dealing in crude and storing same without lawful authority or appropriate license amongst others,’ Adejobi stated.
He disclosed that the suspects were apprehended and subjected to investigation, having established a prima facie case against them.
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‘They will be arraigned in court to face charges related to economic sabotage and oil theft which have been filed.’
‘Similarly, vessels used in the illegal activities have been seized as part of the evidence against the suspects.’
‘Specifically, arraignment for suspects involved in the case of one of the vessels is scheduled for 26th February 2024 while the motion for interim forfeiture of the vessel and products contained therein will be heard on 19th February 2024,’ the FPRO said.
He added that ‘preliminary investigations have indicted numerous individuals and companies including their foreign collaborators” who will be interrogated and caused to face the full wrath of the law.’
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reported that 10,166 illegal refineries and crude oil connections have been eradicated in Nigeria since 2021.
Over the review period, authorities took down more than 5,686 illegal oil refining sites and disconnected 4,480 illegal crude oil connections, as stated in the report.
The dwindling daily crude oil production has been attributed in part to oil theft.