Police operatives have apprehended an eight-month pregnant woman, identified as the leader of an oil bunkering syndicate, along with her husband and six other suspects.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the arrests were made in the South-East region of Nigeria.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this development on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.
He confirmed that the suspects were detained on July 4th, although he refrained from naming the exact state where the operation took place.
According to Adejobi, the suspects were deeply involved in an organized syndicate specialising in tampering with oil pipelines and the theft of petroleum products.
“On 4th July 2024, personnel of the Taskforce attached to the South-East Surveillance intercepted three wooden boats loaded with one hundred and sixty sacks of petroleum product suspected to have been illicitly acquired.
During the operation, two suspects, Peace Moweeloh and Goodness Michael Chidinma, were apprehended,” Adejobi stated.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the operation was carried out by the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, which led to further arrests.
“Preliminary investigation led to the arrest of two other suspects, Alh Yerima Adamu and Igboke Banks Ude,” Adejobi added.
He added “Among the suspects is an eight-month pregnant woman, who is believed to be the leader of the syndicate, along with her husband.
“The suspects have confessed to their roles in aiding and abetting the organised syndicate, which specialises in tampering with oil pipelines and stealing petroleum products.
“All four suspects have been remanded in prison, pending further investigation.”
Adejobi also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Inspector-General of Police to bolster anti-oil theft activities within the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the efforts include enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Navy via the NPF Marine Unit and the procurement of an additional 20 boats for the marine unit, which are expected to be delivered soon.
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