40 Individuals Apprehended For Oil Theft And Two Vessels Were Retrieved.

 At the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw, Bayelsa State, forty people have been arrested and two vessels have been recovered by the Nigeria Police Force, Tantita Security Services, the military, and other pertinent security agencies.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force's public relations officer, stated in a statement released on Saturday that the suspects were detained and are now being investigated after a prima facie case was made against them.
 

He announced that they would be charged with oil theft and economic sabotage when they appeared in court.

The vessels utilized in the illicit activities have been seized, according to Adejobi, and this serves as additional proof against the offenders.

He remarked that: “The Nigeria Police Force, as part of its intensified efforts to curb the illegal oil theft and economic sabotage in the country and in conjunction with the military and other relevant security agencies, has been in active liaison on intelligence sharing and collaboration with Private Security Contractors (PSCs) engaged by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), particularly Tantita Security Services.

The efforts led to the arrest of forty (40) suspected individuals and recovery of two (2) 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.

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.”

Adejobi emphasized that many people and businesses have been charged based on preliminary investigations, including their overseas partners, who will eventually be subject to questioning and the full force of the law.