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Two suspected oil thieves operating an illegal bunkering site concealed in their private residence in Rivers, has been apprehended by Nigeria Navy.
The Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, Desmond Igbo, said this on Wednesday, when he took reporters to the site in the Okwuzi community of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers on Wednesday.
According to him, when the Naval operatives raided the building, they discovered 200,000 litres of illegally refined diesel stored in the compound.
“The operation was conducted based on credible intelligence, leading us to a private compound used solely for illegal refining of petroleum products.”
The Commander NNS Pathfinder, described the operation as timely, adding that the product was already packaged for sale.
“We arrested the owner of the property and one of his workers, while efforts are ongoing to arrest others involved in the criminal act.” he declared.
“Recall that a few weeks ago, the Nigerian Navy relaunched phase three of Operation Delta Sanity aimed at curbing crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and related illicit activities in the Niger Delta.
“The stealing of crude oil is bad for the economy, and so, NNS Pathfinder is determined to apprehend those undermining the nation’s economy, whether on land or water,” Mr Igbo said
He further said the suspects would be handed over to the prosecuting agencies.
Speaking further, Mr Igbo said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanual Ogalla, has charged naval forces to enhance surveillance around the oil installations to meet the target.
“Therefore, youths are cautioned to avoid being used as tools for sabotaging the nation’s economy through oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and other illegal activities,” he said.
