Delta State Commandant, Agboola Suleiman
The Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS-Delta, Friday, handed over ten suspected illegal oil bunkerers to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Addressing reporters, the Commander, NNS-Delta, Commodore Muhsin Abba, represented by the Base Operations Officer, Commander Patrick Ali said the suspects were arrested on March 8, this year while perpetrating the illicit act at Watson Jetty, Edjeba in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspects together with the exhibits reportedly recovered from them including two tug boats, two barges and nine storage tanks were paraded to journalists before the handing over to officials of the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking on the arrest, the Navy Commander explained that the NNS-Delta got intelligence report on the illegal operations in the area and swiftly deployed operatives to the jetty to clamp down the activities.
He said, “On 8th March, 2024, we got intelligence of suspected illegal oil bunkering operations happening at Watson Jetty at Edjeba in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
“Our men were deployed to the location and we conducted raids which led to the arrest of 10 suspects, two tug boats, two baggies and nine storage tanks.
“As part of Navy functions toward nation building, we remain resolute on freeing our areas of operation from all forms of illegal oil theft and related criminalities.
“We thank all government agencies that support our operations, as well as the whole of the society whose contributions to our efforts have been phenomenal.”
Responding, while taking over the 10 suspects and the exhibits, the NSCDC Commander, Warri Anti Vandals Patrol, Abdullahi Mustapha, a Deputy Superintendent of Corps, representing the State Commandant, Commander Agbola Suleiman, assured that “they would be thoroughly investigated for possible prosecution.”