The Command reiterated its sustained fight against economic sabotage, pipeline vandalism, and bunkering, especially since the recent restructuring and appointment of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Lot Garba as the Commander of IGP-STFPIB, through improved capacity, thorough practical training, investigative and operational assets, which have been largely instrumental in bringing criminals against the economy to justice. 

National police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement yesterday said: “As part of a very recent briefing of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Oil Lifting, Theft and the Impact on Petroleum Production and Oil Revenues on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, a report of the activities of the Task Force was presented which shows a deliberately sustained fight with salient achievements including the seizure of 1,301,020 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 135,000 litres of crude oil, 4,900 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), 45,000 litres of engine oil, and 123 Tankers, with 52 cases currently under prosecution nationwide.

“Operatives of the IGP-STFPIB under the Command of ACP Garba, have latched onto the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Command and Control Centre Portal where actionable intelligence has been received and acted upon leading to several operational successes.

“It is pertinent to state that stamping out and clamping down on illegality and criminality comes with a price, particularly in oil bunkering activities of cabals. Expectedly, these individuals would go to any length to pervert the cause of justice, including making attempts to soil individuals’ names and reputations, since the Taskforce has been an obstacle to their continuous illegal operations in the oil-rich areas.

“It is however saddening that an online medium continues to dig new lows to the extent of their platform being employed by suspected economic saboteurs to fight against the proper course of justice.”

“In as much as we don’t intend to dignify the antics of criminals, economic saboteurs and their agents, we are duty bound to set the records straight and disabuse the minds of well-meaning Nigerians and concerned groups on this campaign of calumny and calculated attempt to heat up the polity at this crucial time of our beloved nation. The Force however urges the “concerned Nigerian” to come up with his claims and credible evidence, if any, for proper investigation.”