Yesterday, the Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, rejigged efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
He named the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Bayonle Kafar Sulaiman, as the Commanding Officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB).
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), DCP Suleiman has exhibited his prowess in similar task force operations.
He was previously Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos.
ACP Adejobi said as Commanding Officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IG has ordered him to lead the task force on the mission to combat illegal activities in the petroleum industry, including oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
The IG has also condemned the trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering which pose significant threats to the environment, economy and energy security.
He emphasised that these illegal activities not only result in significant financial losses but also devastating environmental consequences, including oil spills, pollution, and habitat destruction.
IG Egbetokun orders the Commander to hold firmly the reins of the office and ensure deterrence by prosecuting all individuals found culpable, and deploy his assets to prevent economic sabotage in the upper and downstream of the oil sector.
The IG further appealed to all relevant stakeholders in the oil industry and well-meaning Nigerians to work hand-in-hand with the police and other security agencies to collectively curb the menace of oil theft by sharing credible intelligence with security agencies.
