Navy Nabs Suspected Crude Oil Thieves, Destroy Illegal Refineries In Delta

file photo
file photo

The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested two suspects in connection with crude oil theft in Delta State.

The Navy spokesman, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, in a statement issued Wednesday, said the arrest was made by a patrol team deployed by the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.

He said the suspects, who have been handed over to officials of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for persecution, were picked up on 21 July, 2016 at Ugbosede Community in Warri South West Local Government of Delta State.

Commodore Ezekobe added that their arrest is in connection with the discovery of illegal refinery in the area, adding that at the time of arrest, items recovered from the suspects include 115 HP outboard engine speed boat.

He said a 90 HP boat conveying five drums each of substances suspected to be illegally refined AGO, were also recovered.

The Navy spokesman also said on 5th August 2016, the patrol team deployed by NNS Pathfinder, raided Betaland, an enclave close to Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State.

“During the raid, an illegal refinery site was discovered and destroyed. Items also destroyed in the site include 4 storage tanks each laden with about 40,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO and a Cotonou boat containing about 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

 

“The Nigerian Navy is once again sending a strong message to the criminal elements who are sabotaging the economic assets of the country to have a rethink or face the full wrath of the law”, Ezekobe said.