Personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team under the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, have intercepted six crude-laden boats and arrested three suspected pipeline vandals in the Chevron Nigeria Ltd., Malu Jacket 19 Offshore, Escravos, in Delta State.
The three suspects were arrested at the crime scene just as six others escaped in speedboats, each powered by 200HP engines and carrying nine drums of crude oil.
The arrest of the three suspects was made possible following credible intelligence.
The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS-Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, while parading the three arrested suspects and two out of the six recovered boats on Wednesday in Warri, noted that “the modus operandi of the suspects further indicated the involvement of a well-organized and well-resourced syndicate”.
Zubairu added, “The suspects were attempting to illegally siphon crude oil from the jacket in a highly coordinated operation aimed at sabotaging national economic assets.
“Our operatives acted swiftly and decisively, preventing what could have resulted in significant environmental and economic damage.”
The arrested suspects, all of whom hail from Awoye community in Ondo State, are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation.
Relevant authorities have been duly notified for further joint investigation and prosecution.
Zubairu said, “Investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the broader network behind this coordinated illegal activity.”
“This incident highlights not only the sophistication of the criminal network but also the strategic value of collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and stakeholders in the oil sector.”
“This arrest underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla’s initiative of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ and other internal security mandates to ensure zero tolerance for oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and all forms of maritime criminality,” he added.
The commander declared that the development should “serve as a strong warning to criminal elements that the Nigerian Navy remains poised and ever vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and economic lifelines”.
While expressing appreciation for the continued support of the public, he urged the citizens to “report suspicious activities to the nearest naval or security outpost”.
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