Economic sabotage: Police nab suspected crude oil smuggling trucks

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) have intercepted two trucks and arrested suspects involved in smuggling petroleum products, believed to be crude oil.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, 21 April 2024, said the trucks were identified as a MAN-Diesel open-body truck with number plate LGT 775 XA and a DAF XF open-body truck with number plate FKY 245 YF.

He added that the suspects, upon sighting the policemen, the drivers tried to flee and resist arrest, but the vigilant officers eventually arrested them.

“Both trucks were found to be loaded with petroleum products, concealed in GeePee tanks covered with tarpaulin. Each truck was laden with 38 GeePee tanks. The interception occurred at Obollo-Afor in Enugu State.

“The trucks, along with the petroleum product, have been securely impounded at the Obollo-Afor Divisional Police Headquarters, while further investigation into the matter is currently ongoing,” Adejobi said.

He noted that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun reiterated that the NPF remained committed to combating purveyors of illegal activities which sabotage the economy.

He explained that such illegal activities that sabotage Nigeria’s economy include petroleum smuggling, bunkering and the like.

Adejobi stated that the IGP would continue to work tirelessly to dismantle their operations; while urging well-meaning members of the public to cooperate with the Police by providing timely and relevant information necessary for curbing these criminal activities in our society.