KEY POINTS
- PINL uncovered illegal oil siphoning at Igor Logistics Services.
- Two NSCDC officers and other suspects were arrested.
- Trucks disguised with containers were used to transport stolen crude.
An illicit oil bunkering activity at Igor Logistics Services Limited, a logistics firm in Eleme, Rivers State, has been discovered by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
Under the guise of its lawful commercial operations, the corporation was accused of syphoning crude from the Trans-Niger pipeline (TNP).
Security intervention leads to arrests
Dr. Patrick Onogwu, PINL’s Senior Manager for Security and Government Relations, explained that the bust was made possible through intelligence provided by surveillance personnel monitoring crude theft in the area.
Additionally, based on this information, security operatives paid closer attention to the logistics firm’s activities, which ultimately led to the discovery of the operation.
Furthermore, Onogwu revealed that two officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were assigned to secure the company, were arrested alongside other suspects.
According to Punch, the detained individuals are now assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations.
“The logistics company is primarily involved in exporting precious stones, including quartz, iron, and glass sand, through the Onne Port,” Onogwu said.
However, the proximity of a valve on the TNP—located less than 200 meters from the company’s premises—facilitated the illegal siphoning.
Sophisticated methods used to transport stolen crude
Onogwu described how the thieves exploited the TNP valve, tapping into it and running a 9-inch hose through a hole in the company’s fence to load crude oil onto trucks.
Moreover, to avoid detection, the trucks were fitted with 40-foot containers disguised to appear as carrying regular goods.
“Five days ago, we received intelligence that three trucks loaded with crude had left the compound. These trucks, concealed with customs seals, were transported to Akwa Ibom State,” he explained.
The smell of crude oil during a recent transport alerted patrolling security officers to the illegal activities. However, with assistance from the 29th Battalion, who arrived on the site, PINL promptly notified its staff based at Ogale Camp.
According to Onogwu, two NSCDC personnel who were assigned to the business made an effort to postpone the security response, which let the suspects scale the fence and flee. But during a check of the nearby wooded area, one cop was taken into custody.
Authorities tighten security around the company
The logistics company was sealed after the bust, and a squad of NSCDC and military personnel was posted on the scene to stop any more activity.
Olufemi Ayodele, the Rivers State NSCDC spokeswoman, acknowledged the event but said an official report is still pending.
