The Nigerian Navy has arrested four suspected crude oil thieves and seized a large quantity of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects were arrested by personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, during an operation conducted following intelligence on alleged crude oil theft activities in the area.
The Commanding Officer of the base, Captain Andy Alemongwa, disclosed this on Thursday, saying the operation was carried out by the anti-crude oil theft patrol team.
Alemongwa said the principal suspect attempted to escape after sighting the naval personnel but was apprehended along with his accomplices.
Items recovered from the suspects included 100 jerry cans, each containing 30 litres, a 1,000-litre storage tank filled with suspected illegally refined petroleum products and various equipment allegedly used for siphoning crude oil.
The commander added that the patrol team, while returning from the operation, intercepted a boat operator allegedly transporting petroleum products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit.
According to him, the boat was carrying 29 jerry cans of 50 litres each and nine jerry cans containing 30 litres each of the suspected PMS.
Alemongwa said none of the suspects was able to produce documents authorising the storage or transportation of the products or evidence showing that they were legally obtained.
He said the suspects and the seized products were taken to the naval base before being handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for investigation and possible prosecution.
The Navy commander said the operation underscored the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to tackling crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes in the country.