The Nigeria Police’s Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) recently made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal oil activities. Officers uncovered an illegal petroleum refinery operating in Rivers State.

According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the raid took place on Thursday. The operation was a joint effort by the IGP-STFPIB and officers from the Rivers Command. The police stormed the Trans Amadi area in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, where the illegal activities were taking place.

The raid was initiated after the discovery of a storage facility used for processing and dealing with stolen crude oil in the area. This facility was a hub for illegal operations, and its existence was brought to light through diligent investigative work by the police.

During the operation, the police arrested four suspects linked to the illegal refinery. The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Nwachi, Adamu Bala, Nura Musa, and Bashir Abubakar. In addition to the arrests, the police seized about 40,000 litres of petroleum products, which were stored in 67 white storage tanks.

The police didn’t stop at just making arrests; they also destroyed the illegal site. The equipment and machines used for these illegal activities were recovered as evidence.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to combating all forms of crime, including those that threaten the nation’s economy. He assured that the Nigeria Police will continue to pursue and bring to justice those involved in illegal activities like this refinery.