Police uncover illegal refinery in Port Harcourt, nab four

In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering, and economic sabotage, the operatives of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) have uncovered an illegal petroleum refinery in Trans Amadi, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday.

The operation was conducted with the collaboration of the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, and it took place on September 12, 2024, leading to the discovery of a storage facility used for dealing and processing illegally acquired crude oil.

During the operation, four suspects were arrested: Emmanuel Nwachi (58), Adamu Bala (35), Nura Musa (22), and Bashir Abubakar (28).

In addition to the arrests, the operatives also seized 40,000 litres of petroleum products stored in 67 white storage tanks.

The team destroyed the site and recovered the equipment and machines used in these illegal activities.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of crime, criminality, and corruption, with a specific focus on individuals involved in economic sabotage.

The IGP stressed that the Force remains resolute in its efforts to bring perpetrators of such crimes to justice.