At the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area in Southern-Ijaw, Bayelsa State, the Nigeria Police Force, Tantita Security Services, the military, and other pertinent security agencies have apprehended forty individuals and retrieved two vessels.
The suspects were seized and are currently being investigated after a prima facie case was formed, according to a statement released on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
He announced that they would be brought before a court to face accusations of oil theft and economic sabotage.
Adejobi elaborated by saying that the suspects’ possession of the vessels involved in the illicit activities is proof against them.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in conjunction with the military and other relevant security agencies, has been actively collaborating and sharing intelligence with Private Security Contractors (PSCs) engaged by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), particularly Tantita Security Services, as part of its intensified efforts to curb the illegal oil theft and economic sabotage in the country,” he stated.
In two separate interceptions at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State, forty (40) people were apprehended on various charges, including conspiracy, tampering with oil pipelines, illegal transportation of crude oil, dealing in crude oil, and storing the same without proper authorization or license. Two vessels were also recovered.
“More specifically, on February 19, 2024, the motion will be heard regarding the interim forfeiture of the Vessel and its contents, and on February 26, 2024, the arraignment of the suspects involved in the case of one of the vessels will take place.”
According to Adejobi, many people and businesses, including those with international ties, have been indicted in preliminary investigations. These people and businesses will inevitably be probed and punished to the fullest extent of the law.