The inspector-general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed deputy commissioner of police, DCP Bayonle Kafar Suleiman, as the new commanding officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum And Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB).

The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this was in the IGP’s continuous effort to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft across the nation.

The new commander, who has exhibited his prowess in similar taskforce operations, was previously Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force (PMF) 20, Lagos.

As commanding officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IGP has ordered DCP Suleiman to lead the taskforce 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 strong terms the trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering, which pose significant threats to the environment, economy, and energy security.

He emphasised that illegal activities not only result in significant financial losses but also devastating environmental consequences, including oil spills, pollution, and habitat destruction.

He ordered the commander to hold firmly the reins of the office and ensure deterrence by prosecuting all individuals found culpable, and deploy his assets to prevent economic sabotage in the upper and downstream of our oil sector in Nigeria.

The IGP further appealed to all relevant stakeholders in the oil industry and well-meaning Nigerians to work hand-in-hand with the Police and other security agencies to collectively curb this menace and share credible intelligence with security agencies to expose any untoward plans promoting this crime and others alike in the country.