Taskforce on pipeline vandalization arrests 8 suspects in Delta
Nosa Akenzua, Asaba
The police taskforce on pipeline vandalisation on Friday arrested eight suspected oil thieves in Warri South area of Delta state.
Commander of the taskforce, Mohammed El Yakubu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said that the suspects are cartel members who specialized in locally refined diesel along coastal settlements in Warri South council areas of the state.
According to El Yakubu, the cartel network has spread across the creeks in the waterways in the state, disclosing that the cartel is the brain behind the conversion of stolen crude oil to locally refined products that are then sold to some major marketers who in turn dispense same to the public at the official rates.
“The series of arrests was in line with the inspector general of police zero tolerance for pipeline vandalization.
Based on intelligence gathering, the sector launched an operation to scene of crime at Benneth Island in Warri South where the suspects and their equipment were intercepted.
“We arrested alongside the suspects, two speedboats, one wooden boat, generating sets, hose and drums laden with over 7, 000 liters of locally refined diesel set to be loaded into the wooden boats for delivery,” he stated.
The taskforce commander said that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation, adding that the impounded products would be handed over to the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) for evacuation after it has been authorized by Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR).
He warned those behind the Illicit oil deals in the state, particularly within his coverage area to desist from such criminal activities as it would no longer be business as usual.
