Friday, 7 November 2014

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 31 suspected oil thieves and impounded
200 drums laden with substance suspected to be by-product of illegally
refined crude oil, during its raid in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 

Commander of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Commodore Godwin
Ochai, said the arrests were made during a raid, adding that another
2,000 drums used for transporting and distributing the illegal product
were also impounded during the raid. 

He made the disclosure while handing over the suspects to officers
and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Port
Harcourt, on Thursday. 

Ochai, who was represented at the handing by Leiutenant-Commodore
Abdullateef Mahmud, explained that troops stormed the area after it got
intelligence report of activities of oil thieves, who hid under the
cover of the busy Slaughter Market to carry out their illegal
activities. 

He said the Navy also impounded nine wooden and speed boats during
the raid, adding, “Based on intelligence and timely report that
suspected crude oil thieves were operating in this area; troops stormed
the area in our mandate to stop attacks on the nation’s oil
installations. 

“On Wednesday, at about 0430 hours, we raided Slaughter area and
impounded about 200 drums containing suspected by-product of illegally
refined crude oil. 

“We also impounded about 2, 000 empty drums used for distribution and
transporting of products, and nine wooden and speed boats used for
their illegal business.  After the raid, we were able to arrest 31 male
suspects involved in oil theft and bunkering.” 

Ochai said the Navy would continue with its 24-hour surveillance of
the waterways in its bid to stop oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea
piracy, urging the public to provide timely information that would lead
to the arrest of those undermining Nigeria’s maritime safety and the
economy. 

Head of NSCDC Intelligence and Investigation Unit, Henry Nwaorie,
said the corps would investigate and charge the suspects to court, if
found culpable.