Security operatives uncover illegal oil bunkering camps in Bayelsa

A pipeline surveillance operation, backed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has uncovered illegal oil bunkering camps in Bayelsa state.

TheCable understands that the operation took place in the early hours of June 23, when the operatives conducted patrols in the Okoroba axis of Nembe LGA and the Elemuama area of Bayelsa state.

According to an insider, identity cards belonging to a company hired as a pipeline security subcontractor to Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO) were said to have been found at the site.

The name of the subcontractor was not disclosed.

“The identity cards of the employees of the surveillance firm discovered on-site and other incriminating evidence have now raised several questions about the complicity of the company and its owner’s involvement in illicit oil bunkering activities in the region,” one of the officials said on the condition of anonymity.

Also unearthed during the raid were two nearby unauthorised bunkering camps. The surveillance team also seized and subsequently destroyed two large boats loaded with crude oil as well as a fibre boat.

“They were eventually set ablaze to prevent further illicit activities since the boats could carry large quantities of oil, indicating the scale of the operation,” an insider said.

“The coordinates of the seized boats were: N 4°35’40.67814, E 6°27’8.71992, N 4°33’8″ E 6°28, 0 while those of the illegal bunkering camps were: 4°35’39.70776, N 6°27’5.30052, E 4°35’38.97882, N 6°27’7.04682.”

In addition, a suspect identified as Livingston, whose activities spread across the Nembe-Brass creeks in Bayelsa state, was said to be connected to the camps.

TheCable understands that he owns illegal bunkering camps and “controls a vast transportation network that transports illegal refined petroleum products to parts of the state”.

The security operatives are also on the trail of another suspect nicknamed “Organiser” who is believed to be the “recruiter and transporter” of individuals involved in bunkering activities around Nembe and Brass.