The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the spate of pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the country.
In a statement on Thursday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG stated that the illegal activities of oil thieves had caused not only significant financial losses but also severe environmental damage.
Following this, the IGP appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bayonle Sulaiman, as the new Commanding Officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in his efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
It said the new Commander, who has exhibited his prowess in similar task force operations, was previously Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos.
The statement added that as Commanding Officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IGP has ordered Sulaiman 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 Inspector-General of Police has also condemned in serious terms the trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering which pose significant threats to the environment, economy, and energy security.
“He emphasized that these illegal activities not only result in significant financial losses but also devastating environmental consequences, including oil spills, pollution, and habitat destruction,“ the statement said.
He ordered the newly appointed commander to curtail the activities of the oil thieves.