The British High Commission says two British men were arrested in Nigeria last week in connection with an alleged attempt to steal oil. The Britons were arrested with some Nigerian collaborators who were engaged in the act.

An estimated 200,000 barrels of crude worth more than $20 billion on the international market is stolen daily in the country. Analysts say high-ranking politicians and military officers also benefit from the thefts. President Goodluck Jonathan announced this week that his government has earmarked $1 billion to fight oil theft.

The British High Commission says two British men were arrested in Nigeria last week in connection with an alleged attempt to steal oil. The Britons were arrested with some Nigerian collaborators who were engaged in the act.

An estimated 200,000 barrels of crude worth more than $20 billion on the international market is stolen daily in the country. Analysts say high-ranking politicians and military officers also benefit from the thefts. President Goodluck Jonathan announced this week that his government has earmarked $1 billion to fight oil theft.

A spokesman said on Friday that the British High Commission is in contact with Nigerian authorities concerning last week’s detention of two citizens in southern Bayelsa state. He spoke on customary condition of anonymity.

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Nigeria security arrests 2 Britons over oil theft