IG condemns oil theft, names new commander for petroleum taskforce

• Published On: 18 July 2024 at 18:27

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the recent wave of pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the country.

On Thursday, Egbetokun appointed Bayonle Sulaiman, Deputy Commissioner of Police, as the new Commanding Officer of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG claimed that the criminal operations of oil thieves had resulted in not just substantial financial losses but also severe environmental damage.

Adejobi stated, "The IG, in his ongoing efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Bayonle Kafar Sulaiman, as the new Commanding Officer in Charge of the IGP-STFPIB."


"The new Commander, who has demonstrated his expertise in comparable task force operations, was previously Squadron Commander of Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos. As Commanding Officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IGP has directed him to lead the task force in combating criminal operations in the petroleum industry, such as oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism.

"The Inspector-General of Police has also strongly denounced the trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering, which pose substantial concerns to the environment, economy, and energy security. He stressed that these illicit actions cause not only substantial financial losses, but also catastrophic environmental repercussions such as oil spills, pollution, and habitat damage.

According to Adejobi, the IG directed the newly appointed commander to curb the oil thieves' actions.


He stated, "He instructs the Commander to firmly grasp the reins of the office and enforce deterrence by punishing all those found culpable, as well as to deploy his assets to prevent economic sabotage in Nigeria's upper and downstream oil sectors.

"The IGP further appeals 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 this menace and share credible intelligence with security agencies to expose any untoward plans promoting this crime and others alike in the country."

The IG's move came two days after security and intelligence officials met with Mele Kyari, the Group Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Kyari claimed that President Bola Tinubu had issued a marching order to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, to end oil theft and damage in the Niger Delta region as soon as possible.