IGP Talks Tough On Illegal Bunkering Activities As Protection Of National Assets Tops Priority

 

As part of efforts to rid the country of illegal bunkering activities, the Nigeria police intercepted and arrested about 42 suspects with 41 trucks loaded with petroleum products from different parts of Rivers state.

 

Parading the suspects, the Inspector General of Police, IGP; Usman Baba said the Force is determined to ensure economic saboteurs are flushed out of the country.

 

The IGP explained that the Federal Government is committed to providing an enabling environment for the country’s economy to thrive, hence the need to protect her assets.

Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum  and illegal Bunkering Force Headquarters Abuja led by Mr. Usman Jubrin impounded about 900,000  litres of products suspected to be adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, AGO;and about 30,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil,in  different tankers within Rivers State .

Briefing Newsmen while parading the suspects,at Port Harcourt Refinery in Eleme, Inspector General of Police,IGP; Usman Baba represented by the Force Acting Public Relations Officer Mr. Olumuyiwa  Adejobi said about 15 tankers each loaded with 45,000litres and two short tankers  loaded with about 12,000 litres of petroleum product suspected to be adulterated AGO were impounded by the IGP's Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering within the State.

The IGP stated that two trucks disguised to be loaded with noodles were also impounded by the Special TaskForce after routine stop and search operations where it was discovered each truck was loaded with about 40,000 litres of petrol product tested to be adulterated AGO.

 Mr. Baba  noted that the suspects  also stocked adulterated petroleum products in cans and loaded same in saloon cars, buses and convey them to various buyers within and outside the state.

The IGP assured  residents of Rivers State and the country at large of the Force's commitment towards fighting all forms of criminality including the protection of government and public critical assets in order to curb economic sabotage and restore a healthy environment.

The IGP said the suspects will be charged  to court after diligent  investigations.

Some of the suspects who spoke with Radio Nigeria Michael Okoro and Lukman Musa narrated their involvement in the alleged crime.

The suspects claimed they were not informed of the products loaded in their trucks.