IGP Appoints New Commander for Petroleum Task Force Amid Oil Theft

In response to increasing oil theft, the IGP has appointed a new commander for the petroleum task force. Learn about the new leadership and its goals.

The new Commanding Officer in charge of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) is Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bayonle Sulaiman. He was appointed by Kayode Egbetokun, who serves as the Inspector-General of Police.

According to a statement released by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer for Forcec, this action is in line with the IGP’s ongoing drive against pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

The new Commander, who has demonstrated his expertise in comparable task force missions, previously held the position of Squadron Commander for Police Mobile Force 20 in Lagos.

Read Also: N700m Gold Theft Scandal at IGP’s Residence Sparks Public Outcry

According to the statement, as the Commanding Officer of IGP-STFPIB, he has been directed by the IGP to head a task force assigned with tackling unlawful actions within the petroleum sector such as oil theft, unauthorized bunkering and pipeline destruction.

The trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering has been severely condemned by the Inspector-General of Police as it presents significant threats to the environment, economy and energy security.

The individual stressed that engaging in unlawful activities not only causes substantial financial damages, but also leads to detrimental environmental ramifications such as oil spills, contamination and the destruction of natural habitats. As a result, he instructed the Commander to maintain strict control over their work sphere by bringing those responsible for breaching laws to justice without any leniency. Additionally, he urged him to utilize all available resources towards averting economic sabotage within Nigeria’s upstream and downstream sectors of our oil industry.

The Inspector General of Police implores all oil industry stakeholders and concerned Nigerians to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in eradicating this threat. He urges sharing reliable information about any suspicious activity that might facilitate these illegal acts or other similar crimes across the nation.