In line with the resolve to eliminate all forms of economic sabotage, crude oil theft and other criminal activities, operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have continued the crackdown on criminals within the maritime domain.

 The patrol team deployed by NNS JUBILEE has arrested 13 suspects allegedly involved in illegal bunkering activities around Ibenoarea of Akwa Ibom State.
Commodore Christian Ezekobe, Spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy in a statement said the suspects were arrested in 3 Cotonouboats adding that two of the boats were carrying 55 and 48 drums of suspected illegally refined AGO respectively, while the third Cotonou boat was carrying about 188 empty drums.

 He said the suspects and exhibits have been handed over to officials of NSCDC for necessary action.

 The statement further said the patrol team deployed by FOB ESCRAVOS has also arrested 3 persons suspected to be oil thieves noting that the team also destroyed 6 Cotonou boats carrying suspected stolen crude oil around Sandhill Creek in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Ezekobe said the team recovered 2 wooden boats laden with 300 Metric Tones (MT) of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine during the raid.

 “Meanwhile, a patrol team deployed by NNS PATHFINDER has raided Adokiakiri Creek around Okirika axis and Dutch Island at Onnein Rivers State. During the operation, the Team arrested 8 suspects and destroyed 4 speedboats laden with 100 MT of illegally refined AGO.

“Two barges containing 500MT of suspected stolen crude oil were also destroyed by the team.

 “In another raid, the Patrol Team also arrested 3 suspects onboard MV OMETE VI and a large wooden barge laden with about 120MT of illegally refined AGO around FOT Onne in Rivers State” the statement said.

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