In a dramatic operation, the Wajir Police Station has successfully apprehended a notorious thief, Mukhtar Suleiman, in connection with a daring diesel siphoning attempt. The arrest took place early on Friday, August 2, 2024, at a telecommunications company facility in Halane, Wajir County.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Suleiman, 35, was caught red-handed by officers from the Wajir Police Station as he engaged in the illegal siphoning of diesel from the company’s storage. The swift and decisive action by the police was a result of timely intelligence that alerted them to the break-in at the facility during the early hours of the morning.
The operation unfolded swiftly as officers responded to the intelligence, arriving at the scene with precision. Upon arrival, they found Suleiman actively siphoning diesel from the storage tanks. The suspect, who had apparently been operating under the cover of darkness, was apprehended on the spot. However, his accomplices managed to escape before the police could intervene, disappearing into the night.
The DCI’s official X account detailed the recovery process, where officers seized significant quantities of diesel and equipment used in the siphoning operation. The recovered items included three full 20-litre jerrycans, one half-full 20-litre jerrycan of siphoned diesel, 14 empty 20-litre jerrycans, and a siphoning pipe. This haul underscores the scale of the operation Suleiman was involved in and highlights the potential impact had he succeeded in his theft.
Suleiman’s capture marks a significant success for local law enforcement, showcasing their effectiveness in combating such criminal activities. The arrest also emphasizes the importance of timely intelligence and the responsiveness of the police force in addressing crimes. The swift action of the officers ensured that a considerable quantity of diesel, which could have been sold illicitly or used in other criminal activities, was recovered and returned to the facility.
As Suleiman remains in custody at the Wajir Police Station, the search for his accomplices continues. The police are conducting an ongoing investigation to locate and apprehend those who aided him in the attempted theft. The involvement of multiple individuals in this criminal enterprise suggests that Suleiman may have been part of a larger network involved in similar activities.
The community and the telecommunications company have expressed their gratitude for the police’s prompt response and successful operation. Such incidents of theft and vandalism not only disrupt business operations but also pose security risks to essential infrastructure. The successful interception of this diesel siphoning attempt serves as a deterrent to other potential offenders and reinforces the commitment of law enforcement to maintaining public safety and security.
In the coming days, Suleiman is expected to face charges related to theft and vandalism, with the legal process proceeding towards his arraignment. Meanwhile, the ongoing search for his accomplices aims to bring all those involved in the criminal scheme to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the critical role played by local law enforcement in safeguarding communities and protecting valuable resources from criminal exploitation.
