By MONDAY IJEH

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Mr Bayonle Sulaiman, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), as the new Commander of the Petroleum Task Force.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said Sulaiman’s appointment as the new Commander of the Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB) was part of efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

Adejobi said the new commander had exhibited his prowess in similar task force operations as the Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos.

He said the I-G had ordered the new commander to lead the task force on the mission to combat illegal activities in the petroleum industry, especially, oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police condemned the trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering which posed significant threats to the environment, economy and energy security in the country.

He said the illegal activities had not only resulted in significant financial losses, also led to devastating environmental consequences of oil spills, pollution and habitat destruction.

Adejobi said that the I-G urged the new commander to hold firmly, the reins of the office and ensure deterrence by prosecuting all individuals found culpable.

The police spokesman said the Inspector-General of Police enjoined the new STFPIB commander to deploy his assets to prevent economic sabotage in the upstream and downstream oil sector of the country.

He said the I-G called on all relevant stakeholders in the oil industry and well-meaning Nigerians to work hand-in-hand with the Police and other security agencies.

Adejobi said the idea was to collectively curb the menace in the sector by sharing credible intelligence with security agencies. (NAN)

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