Nigerian forces torch illegal petroleum

Troops patrolling the militant-infested waterways of Nigeria’s oil producing region torched two barges Friday after the boats were found transporting stolen petroleum products, police said.

It wasn’t known if there were any casualties in the incident, which was still under investigation, said Rivers State police commissioner, Felix Ogbaudu. The two boats were discovered carrying stolen loads of a petroleum-industry byproduct, and troops set the water craft ablaze to destroy them, he said.

Theft of oil and other petroleum products is common in southern Nigeria, with ships hooking up to the thousands of well heads and flow stations in the vast swampy region and filling their holds with purloined crude.

Analysts say some 10 percent of Nigeria’s daily 2.5 million barrel oil production capacity is lost to theft, which is a major source of funds for criminals and militants in the area. Security forces have also been accused of involvement in the practice, known as bunkering.

AP