The Nigerian Navy has arrested four suspected crude oil thieves and recovered suspected illegally refined petroleum products during an operation in the coastal corridor of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects were apprehended by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, during an anti-crude oil theft patrol launched after the command’s intelligence reports of suspected illegal activities in the coastal line.
Capt. Andy Alemongwa, the Commanding Officer of the Base, while speaking with newsmen on Friday in Igbokoda, said that the principal suspect attempted to escape when he sighted the naval patrol team, but was quickly arrested alongside three other accomplices.
He said items recovered from the suspects include 100 pieces of 30-litre jerry cans, a 1000-litre tank containing suspected illegally refined petroleum products and equipment believed to be used in siphoning crude oil.
“The patrol team also intercepted a boat operator allegedly transporting petroleum products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) while returning from the operation.
“The boat was loaded with 29 pieces of 50-litre jerry cans and nine pieces of 30-litre jerry cans containing the suspected PMS, as the operator can not provide documents authorising the transportation of the products.
“None of the suspects could produce documents authorising them to store or transport the petroleum products or provide proof that the products were lawfully obtained,” he said.
Alemongwa also said that the suspects and all the recovered items had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.
He, however, said that the operation underscored the Navy’s resolve to tackle crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes in the coastal corridor.
