News

Police Bust Oil Theft Syndicate, Nab One In Rivers

Published

4 years ago

June 27, 2022

Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB) have arrested 54-year-old man, Chukwudi Okafor who is believed to be a member of a syndicate responsible for illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State.
He was nabbed with a 40-feet container truck while conveying a large quantity of crude oil products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stuffed in sacks.
According to the police, the syndicate with a long chain of drivers and workers move these products from the bushes from one location to another till they get to the final buyer.
Most of the drivers might not be aware of the real source of the products they are carrying or the location where they were picked.
“They are getting smarter and inventing ways of evading arrest. It’s a long chain and operatives are on their trail and a major breakthrough will be announced very soon”, the police sources explained.
During interrogation, Chukwudi, who was driving the truck with Registration Number JRV 322 XV claimed to have lost count of the number of trucks that he was paid to deliver to several buyers within Rivers and neighbouring states.
A native of Imo, Chukwudi, who promised to help the operatives nab his employers, lamented that his greatest mistake was not querying the source of the stolen product.
He said: “I am a professional truck driver and I am based in Rivers State. I was employed as a driver years ago and my job is just to drive for the haulage company that contracted me.
“Normally, I do not have issues with the way when I present the covering documents they gave me for each trip. It was when the police arrested me that I realised that all the documents were fake.
“I have lost count of the number of tankers that I delivered to our customers who are mostly owners of petrol stations in Rivers, Abia, Imo, Edo and sometimes, Abuja. My job is to drive to any location and get paid.”
On where exactly the products were sourced from, he said: “We have many drivers and I am one of them. I have never entered the place where they fill the tanks or bags. One of our company drivers will drive it to our pick-up point and I will deliver it to the owners. I am sorry that I did not query to know if it was stolen or not. I assumed that it was scarcity of drums that made them to pack it in sacks.
“I was told that there are so many stolen products and I am not in doubt because some of our fellow drivers have confirmed it to me. They said that they are cautious of the time they move to avoid being arrested by security men on patrol. My only mistake is that I did not query why they packed the oil inside sacks. I am ready to assist the police to catch my employers.”
On the breakthrough, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, had earlier ordered tactical and intelligence commanders of the Force to re-strategise methods used in tackling perpetrators of economic crimes.
“The IGP stressed that the actions of these economic saboteurs have become worrisome due to the huge losses being recorded as a result of their criminal activities. He issued the directives while charging the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB), Lot Lantoh Garba, to improve on the fight against economic crimes. ACP Lot, a gallant and courageous officer, has served in various operational command positions including as Commanding Officer, Special Protection Unit (SPU) and a one-time Commander, Police Mobile Force (PMF) 23 Obalende, Lagos.
“Upon assumption of office, ACP Lot set the ball rolling which has led to immediate restructuring of the task force, and continuous decimation of the operations of criminal elements responsible for the theft of crude oil and other petroleum products, as well as illegal bunkering in the country.
“The current breakthrough in PortHarcourt, Rivers State was achieved while operatives were on surveillance patrol.
“Preliminary investigations have shown that the driver is a member of a high-powered syndicate responsible for illegal bunkering in the area and beyond, and the arrest of the driver has definitely provided a lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate. The recovered truck with the accompanying product is currently in police custody at the Refinery Life Camp Division, Eleme, pending the conclusion of investigations.
“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, warns police operatives attached to the Task Force to be focused, committed, and patriotic. He charged them to discharge their duties devoid of corruption, favouritism, and compromise. The IGP further warns all economic saboteurs to cease their unwholesome activities henceforth else they would be made to face the full wrath of the law. The Force is deepening synergy with other agencies in internal security to curtail the trend of these crimes and other forms of crimes and social vices in the country,” he stated.Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB) have arrested 54-year-old man, Chukwudi Okafor who is believed to be a member of a syndicate responsible for illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State.
He was nabbed with a 40-feet container truck while conveying a large quantity of crude oil products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stuffed in sacks.
According to the police, the syndicate with a long chain of drivers and workers move these products from the bushes from one location to another till they get to the final buyer.
Most of the drivers might not be aware of the real source of the products they are carrying or the location where they were picked.
“They are getting smarter and inventing ways of evading arrest. It’s a long chain and operatives are on their trail and a major breakthrough will be announced very soon”, the police sources explained.
During interrogation, Chukwudi, who was driving the truck with Registration Number JRV 322 XV claimed to have lost count of the number of trucks that he was paid to deliver to several buyers within Rivers and neighbouring states.
A native of Imo, Chukwudi, who promised to help the operatives nab his employers, lamented that his greatest mistake was not querying the source of the stolen product.
He said: “I am a professional truck driver and I am based in Rivers State. I was employed as a driver years ago and my job is just to drive for the haulage company that contracted me.
“Normally, I do not have issues with the way when I present the covering documents they gave me for each trip. It was when the police arrested me that I realised that all the documents were fake.
“I have lost count of the number of tankers that I delivered to our customers who are mostly owners of petrol stations in Rivers, Abia, Imo, Edo and sometimes, Abuja. My job is to drive to any location and get paid.”
On where exactly the products were sourced from, he said: “We have many drivers and I am one of them. I have never entered the place where they fill the tanks or bags. One of our company drivers will drive it to our pick-up point and I will deliver it to the owners. I am sorry that I did not query to know if it was stolen or not. I assumed that it was scarcity of drums that made them to pack it in sacks.
“I was told that there are so many stolen products and I am not in doubt because some of our fellow drivers have confirmed it to me. They said that they are cautious of the time they move to avoid being arrested by security men on patrol. My only mistake is that I did not query why they packed the oil inside sacks. I am ready to assist the police to catch my employers.”
On the breakthrough, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, had earlier ordered tactical and intelligence commanders of the Force to re-strategise methods used in tackling perpetrators of economic crimes.
“The IGP stressed that the actions of these economic saboteurs have become worrisome due to the huge losses being recorded as a result of their criminal activities. He issued the directives while charging the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB), Lot Lantoh Garba, to improve on the fight against economic crimes. ACP Lot, a gallant and courageous officer, has served in various operational command positions including as Commanding Officer, Special Protection Unit (SPU) and a one-time Commander, Police Mobile Force (PMF) 23 Obalende, Lagos.
“Upon assumption of office, ACP Lot set the ball rolling which has led to immediate restructuring of the task force, and continuous decimation of the operations of criminal elements responsible for the theft of crude oil and other petroleum products, as well as illegal bunkering in the country.
“The current breakthrough in PortHarcourt, Rivers State was achieved while operatives were on surveillance patrol.
“Preliminary investigations have shown that the driver is a member of a high-powered syndicate responsible for illegal bunkering in the area and beyond, and the arrest of the driver has definitely provided a lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate. The recovered truck with the accompanying product is currently in police custody at the Refinery Life Camp Division, Eleme, pending the conclusion of investigations.
“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, warns police operatives attached to the Task Force to be focused, committed, and patriotic. He charged them to discharge their duties devoid of corruption, favouritism, and compromise. The IGP further warns all economic saboteurs to cease their unwholesome activities henceforth else they would be made to face the full wrath of the law. The Force is deepening synergy with other agencies in internal security to curtail the trend of these crimes and other forms of crimes and social vices in the country,” he stated.

Featured

Rivers Assembly Approves Fubara’s 2026–2028 MTEF

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This reaffirms the lawmakers’ commitment to enacting laws and taking legislative actions geared towards the overall development of the State.

The Assembly gave the approval during its Second Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session held last Friday.

Speaking on the MTEF document during plenary, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, noted that by the provision of Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, the MTEF ought to have been laid before the House in September 2025.

Amaewhule explained that traditionally, the document is expected to be presented four months before the commencement of the next financial year and immediately after the expiration of every three-year fiscal cycle.

He, however, stated that in the interest of the State and its people, the House considered it necessary to deliberate on the document, describing it as a precursor to the 2026 Budget Estimates.

The Speaker expressed concern that the year had already progressed significantly before the presentation of the framework.

During deliberations on the document, members examined the assumptions and projections contained in the MTEF and observed that strict adherence to the outlined fiscal parameters would ultimately serve the interest of Rivers people.

The lawmakers maintained that effective implementation of the framework would promote prudent financial management and enhance developmental planning across the State.

Following the debate and positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question to the House and members voted overwhelmingly in support of the approval of the MTEF.

Meanwhile, during the same sitting last Friday, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu.

The petition was presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi.

According to the petition, concerns were raised over an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and alleged forceful takeover of property by some lawless persons within parts of the Local Government Area.

Presenting the petition before the House, Hon. Amadi appealed to the lawmakers to revisit the matter and take necessary steps aimed at safeguarding lives and property in the affected communities.

The House is expected to further deliberate on the petition and consider measures to address the concerns raised in order to sustain peace and security in the area.

King Onunwor

News

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Blue Economy, Private Sector Growth …Calls For Protection Of Marine Resources

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards fostering private sector-driven economic growth and harnessing the vast opportunities within the blue economy to drive national development.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, made this known during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), held in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Governor Fubara described the conference theme, “The Gulf of Guinea and Blue Economy: Pathways to Trade, Investment and Security Towards a $1 Trillion Economy,” as both timely and strategic.

?The governor welcomed the leadership of NACCIMA, delegates from the 115 Chambers of Commerce across Nigeria, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, investors, and other distinguished guests to Rivers State.

?He commended the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, for choosing Rivers State as the host of the 2026 conference, noting that the decision had drawn national attention to the immense economic opportunities embedded in the blue economy.

?Fubara stated that the blue economy possesses the capacity to generate revenue that could surpass earnings from the oil and gas sector if properly developed and managed.

?He stressed the need for Nigeria and other countries along the Gulf of Guinea to take deliberate steps toward maximizing the benefits of their maritime resources while guarding against the continued exploitation of coastal assets by foreign operators.

?Expressing concern over the activities of foreign fishing trawlers operating in Nigerian waters, the governor noted that many harvest seafood resources without making meaningful economic contributions to the country.

?He emphasized the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms and enhanced protection of Nigeria’s marine resources.

?”We must wake up and hit the ground running. If we do not capitalize on and utilize our blue economy, other nations will utilize it for us,” he stated.

?The governor thanked NACCIMA for what he described as a timely wake-up call on the importance of the blue economy and maritime security, adding that the successful hosting of the conference in Rivers State demonstrates the state’s safety, hospitality, and readiness for business and investment.

?Earlier in his remarks, the President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government for hosting the 66th Annual General Conference of the Association and for the warm reception accorded delegates.

?He noted that the state’s commitment to hosting the conference reflects its readiness for business and has helped restore investors’ confidence in its economic potential.

?According to him, NACCIMA highly values the cordial relationship between the Rivers State Government and the organized private sector, emphasizing that the association remains the foremost voice of the Nigerian business community.

?In her welcome address, the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, described the conference as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first time in the Chamber’s 66-year history that it was hosting the national body of NACCIMA.

Nwoga commended the national leadership for entrusting PHCCIMA with the hosting rights and pledged the Chamber’s continued commitment to advancing the objectives of the association and promoting sustainable economic growth through private sector engagement.

News

Fubara Seals Off Collapsed Building Site, Orders Investigation

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered a complete seal-off of the site of a five-storey building which collapsed last Wednesday, killing one person and injuring several others in Port Harcourt.

Fubara gave the order during his visit to the site of the collapsed building last Thursday to assess the situation.

He said the site will remain “completely sealed off” until the government gets to the “root cause” of the incident.

He described the incident as unfortunate but observed that preliminary investigation had shown that the developer had earlier refused to subject his site to inspection by the state authorities and comply with the necessary building regulations.

The governor, who inspected the site alongside the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amairigha Edward Hart, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dabite Sokari George, explained that he couldn’t visit the site the previous day because he was awaiting formal briefing from the relevant agency of government on the situation.

“We’re here to see for ourselves the very unfortunate incident that took place here. I didn’t come yesterday because I wanted to get the report first, and the Commissioner did brief me that the incident site, first, is not as claimed by the developer, that it’s not under the jurisdiction of the state; that it’s under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Authority.

“He also informed me that when the project was ongoing, they came here severally to inspect what was happening and also to see the level of compliance. But unfortunately, that the developer kept claiming that we don’t have any right to interfere,” he said.

Fubara said that the issue was no longer about interference but about the life lost to the building collapse and the collateral damage brought upon the family of the deceased.

He extended condolences to the families of the victims, insisting that the incident could have been avoided if the developer had complied with the rules guiding the engineering design and construction of such a structure in the 21st century.

“We feel very sorry and very regretful that such an incident should be happening in this 21st century because technology has advanced, engineering has developed. I wonder what kind of engineer would even allow this kind of project to go on when everything about it from inception has been faulty.

“I think that at this point, nothing is going to happen on this site any more. We are going to make sure that this place is completely sealed off until we get to the root cause of this incident,” the governor said.