17 SUSPECTS ARRESTED, 250,000 LITRES OF CRUDE OIL RECOVERED - POLICE
The Nigerian Police Force, at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday said it has recovered of 250,000 litres of crude oil.
Also recovered were 350,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil in various operations conducted nationwide in July.
These was in addition to 13 trucks recovered and 17 suspects arrested.
The suspects were members of a syndicate smuggling petroleum products to neighbouring countries, particularly Cameroon.
Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi made the revelation.
He said the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering conducted those various operations and made the recovering.
Adejobi stated: “In total, 250,000 litres of crude oil and 350,000 litres of AGO were intercepted and recovered. A total of 13 trucks were recovered, and 17 individuals were arrested in various operations across the country.
“These achievements are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating petroleum theft and illegal bunkering.
"We will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure the security and integrity of our nation’s petroleum resources.
“On July 13, 2024, operatives of the task force in Adamawa intercepted three Toyota Corolla cars loaded with 130 jerry cans of 25-litre capacity, filled with a petroleum product suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit.
“One of the cars was carrying 50 jerry cans, while the other two carried 40 jerry cans each, making a total of 130 jerry cans.
"The vehicles and exhibits have been impounded at the Girei Divisional Police Headquarters in Adamawa State, and the suspects have been taken into custody.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that the culprits are part of an organised criminal syndicate specialising in smuggling petroleum products into neighbouring Cameroon.”
