The Rivers state Police command on Monday paraded eighteen suspected illegal oil bunkerers at Police headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Eboka Friday while parading the suspects disclosed that they were arrested for engaging in illegal oil bunkering and refining activities across various location in the state.
CP Eboka noted that the activities of the illegal bunkerers play a primary and critical role in contributing to the unhealthy levels of air pollution experienced in the state.
The commissioner said the officers of the command also impounded two tankers and two large trucks used for illegal storage and transportation of crude oil.
He explained that a special case worthy of note is the arrest of five suspects from one particular family in Mgbu-Atafa village of Emohua Local Government Area .
CP Eboka revealed that the suspects were arrested for providing land for use in illegal oil refining and bunkering activities.
The Rivers police boss warned all individuals families and communities in Rivers state to desist from cooperating with persons engaged in such illegal activities as anyone or group of persons found to be complicit in such activities will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also explained that the command is yet to get details of the persons declared wanted by the Rivers state Government, adding that as soon as the command gets the list of persons declared wanted by the Government, the command will expedite action to investigate and arrest the suspect for possible prosecution.
