Nigerian Military Arrests 46 Suspected Oil Thieves

Nigerian officials of the Joint Military Task Force on Sunday seized 46 persons aboard along the Akassa River as they were illegally transferring refined petroleum products for black-market sale from 13 cotonou boats onto the oil vessel, MV Omiesan. 

The Omiesan, capable of carrying 140 tons of petroleum products, was seized by the JTF and then escorted to a government jetty in Yenagoa, according to All Africa news.  Spokesman Timothy Antigha told AFP that the suspects were in the process ferrying petroleum to the Omiesan from the 13 boats when stormed by patrol teams. The oil confiscated by the military was valued at $100,000.

The black-market of oil is an underground world worth hundreds of millions a year, and Nigerian authorities have been taking a stringent stance to combat the theft and illegal sales of crude products in the oil-rich region.  Last week, the military reported it had arrested 50 thieves in the past three months, and destroyed over 2,000 illicit refineries. 

Despite their efforts against it, influential Nigerians and military officials have been accused of participating in the illegal oil industry.  The military denies any involvement.