Navy parades 11 suspected oil thieves in Rivers

29th January 2024

The Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder, stationed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reported the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves in Krakrama Creeks, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. The suspects were apprehended aboard a wooden boat loaded with equipment intended for the construction of an illegal refining site.

Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, revealed the details while presenting the suspects and seized items to the media in Port Harcourt on Monday. The suspects, along with the confiscated items, were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Commodore Igbo, represented by NNS Base Operations Officer, Commander Sa’id Kabir, highlighted that the seized items, which included 20 gas cylinders, were carefully concealed in the boat to avoid detection by security operatives.

He stated, “In line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s strategic mandate on zero tolerance for crude oil and other petroleum products theft, the Base has been resolute in conducting operations to deny the oil thieves freedom of action in its Area of Operations."

The interception occurred during a routine patrol around Krakrama Creeks on January 23, 2024. The suspects, who were transporting materials for an illegal refinery site in the Bille general area (Degema Local Government), claimed to have been contracted by an individual named Mr. John. The base is actively pursuing the arrest of Mr. John and other individuals involved in the illegal activity.

Emphasizing the commitment to combating criminal activities in the region, Commodore Igbo cautioned oil thieves and criminal elements within Bile and other parts of Rivers State, affirming that the Base would spare no effort in ensuring their apprehension and prosecution.

Deputy Superintendent Monday Lawal from the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the NSCDC, upon receiving the suspects and seized items, asserted that a thorough investigation would be conducted. If found guilty, the suspects would face prosecution.

Lawal stated, “As we are going out of this place (base) to the command, we will subject all of them to proper investigation, and anybody found culpable of the allegations based on what has been handed over to us would be prosecuted.”