Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL) has uncovered an illegal oil bunkering operation camouflaged as a logistics company in Eleme, Rivers State.
The company, Igor Logistics Services Ltd, was allegedly being used by crude oil thieves to siphon oil from the 28-inch Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) along the Ebubu new road in Eleme local government area.
The operation led to the arrest of seven individuals, including two officers from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who were stationed at the logistics company, as well as key staff members of the company. The arrested individuals are currently assisting security agencies with their investigation.
Two trailer trucks, each with a capacity of 45,000 liters and specially constructed for the operation, were also seized. These trucks were found within the company’s premises, loading crude oil from a valve located less than 200 meters away from the company.
Dr. Patrick Onogwu, Senior Manager of Security and Government Affairs at Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, explained that the arrests were made possible through intelligence gathered by PINL surveillance personnel. This led to increased security attention in the area, ultimately exposing the illegal bunkering activities.
The logistics company primarily deals in the processing and export of precious stones, including quartz, iron, and glass sand to China through the Onne port,” Onogwu said. “However, oil thieves were exploiting the company’s proximity to the Trans Niger Pipeline. They tapped into a nearby valve, ran a hose through a hole in the company’s fence, and loaded crude oil into trucks.”
The operation was discreet, using a 9-inch hose that allowed the trucks to load without the need for pumping equipment. The thieves cleverly concealed their activities by positioning the trucks near the company’s weighbridge. Onogwu further revealed that the criminals disguised the trucks using 40-foot containers fitted with tanks, and sealed them with customs seals to avoid detection. These trucks were then transported to Akwa Ibom State.
The operation ran smoothly for the criminals until they attempted another loading session. A supervisor from Gbenisolo, a second-layer surveillance company contracted by PINL, detected the smell of crude oil and raised the alarm. PINL quickly alerted their security team stationed at Ogale camp, part of the 29th Battalion, who responded promptly.
Upon arrival, security forces encountered two NSCDC officers, who were allegedly complicit in the operation. The officers attempted to delay the response, allowing the principal suspects inside the compound to escape by scaling the fence and fleeing into the nearby bush. One of the NSCDC officers also tried to flee but was later apprehended. All suspects have been transferred to NSCDC headquarters for further investigation.
The logistics company has since been sealed off, with a combined team of military and NSCDC personnel stationed on-site as investigations continue.
©CDA NEWS
