The Nigeria Police arrest four suspected oil thieves in Rivers State, recovering 40,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during a raid on an illegal storage facility.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspected oil thieves and recovered 40,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

The arrest, made by the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, took place on 12 September 2024, following the discovery of an illegal crude oil storage facility in Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the operation aligns with the Nigeria Police’s ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, illegal bunkering, and economic sabotage.

The suspects, Emmanuel Nwachi (58), Adamu Bala (35), Nura Musa (22), and Bashir Abubakar (28), were apprehended, and the facility, which contained 67 white storage tanks, was destroyed. The police also seized equipment and machinery used in the illegal operation.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasised the Force’s unwavering commitment to fighting all forms of crime, including economic sabotage.

He assured the public that such criminals would face justice as the Force continues its efforts to curb illegal activities threatening the nation’s economy.