The Nigerian Navy (NN) said efforts are ongoing to apprehend some people involved in large-scale oil theft in Krakama creeks in the Degema Council of Rivers State.
This is as the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER hands over to the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) 11 suspects caught in a boat laden with construction materials meant for setting up an illegal refining site along the said areas.
Parading the suspects at the NNS Pathfinder base, yesterday, the Base Operations Officer, NNS Pathfinder, Sa’id Muhammad Kabir who represented the Commander, Commodore Desmond Igbo said the arrested suspects claimed they were contracted by one Mr John, adding that efforts are ongoing to caught him and others on the large.
He said the suspects were caught on the 23rd of January by the Base Tactical Response and Assault Squadron while on routine patrol around Krakrama Creeks.
According to him, 10 metal plates, 14 angle iron and 20 gas cylinders were carefully concealed in the wooden boat used for the construction of illegal refinery sites in the creeks.
He said: “In line with the CNS’ strategic mandate on zero tolerance for crude oil and other petroleum products theft, the Base has been resolute in conducting operations to deny the oil thieves freedom of action in its Area of Operations. Consequently, on 23 Jan 24, the Base Tactical Response and Assault Squadron while on routine patrol around Krakrama Creeks, intercepted a boat with 11 crew and laden with 10 metal plates, 14 angle iron as well as 20 gas cylinders.
“Further findings revealed that the suspects were conveying the items to Bille general area for the construction of an illegal refining site.
“Additional investigation revealed that the arrested suspects are workers used for the construction of the illegal refining site. The arrested suspects claimed they were contracted by one Mr John. At the moment, the Base is making concerted efforts to arrest Mr John and other suspects involved in this criminal act.”
He however seized the opportunity to warn oil thieves and other criminals within Bile and other part of Rivers State to repent, stressing that the Base will stop at nothing to ensure they are arrested and brought to justice.
Receiving the suspects, Deputy Superintendent of the NSCDC from the intelligence Investigation department, Lawal Monday said they would begin an investigation and prosecute subsequently.
He said: “This is not the first time we have received suspects from the Naval Base, having received them we will ensure we follow due diligence investigation and we will prosecute them accordingly.”
