The Nigerian Navy has arrested four suspected crude oil thieves and recovered a large quantity of petroleum products during an operation in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The suspects were apprehended by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, during an anti-crude oil theft patrol launched after the command received intelligence about suspected illegal activities in the area.
The Commanding Officer of the base, Captain Andy Alemongwa, said the principal suspect attempted to escape when he sighted the naval team but was quickly arrested alongside three alleged accomplices.
Items recovered from the suspects included 100 30-litre jerry cans, a 1,000-litre tank containing suspected illegally refined petroleum products and equipment believed to have been used in siphoning crude oil.
Alemongwa said the patrol team also intercepted a boat operator allegedly transporting petroleum products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit while returning from the operation.
He said the boat was loaded with 29 50-litre jerry cans and nine 30-litre jerry cans containing the suspected PMS, adding that the operator could not provide documents authorising the transportation of the products.
“None of the suspects could produce documents authorising them to store or transport the petroleum products or provide proof that the products were lawfully obtained,” the naval commander stated.
The suspects and all the recovered items were subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution, while Alemongwa said the operation underscored the Navy’s resolve to tackle crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
