From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Bayonle Kafar Sulaiman, as the new Commanding Officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum And Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB).
The appointment, the IGP said, is in his continuous effort to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
He, therefore, appealed to 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 the menace and share credible intelligence with security agencies to expose any untoward plans promoting the crime and others alike in the country.
The new commander, who had exhibited his prowess in similar task force operations, was previously Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos. As Commanding Officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IGP ordered him to lead the task force 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 serious 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 the 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 the menace and share credible intelligence with security agencies to expose any untoward plans promoting the crime and others alike in the country.