Nigerian Navy Shipyard, NNS, Jubilee, yesterday handed over nine suspected oil thieves to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The Commander, Commodore Mohammed Manga told newsmen in Ibaka that the suspects were apprehended for engaging in oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.
Manga said on Monday, men of the command apprehended the suspects with a wooden boat at an oil platform situated offshore Asabo Oil Field in Akwa Ibom.
The commander said the boat and the nine-man crew members were intercepted while attempting to illegally siphon crude oil from the platform.
“The wooden boat and the tools used for the illicit activity were confiscated in line with extant regulations and operational procedures,” he said.
He said preliminary investigations had revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal bunkering activities.
“Illegal oil bunkering is a criminal act that undermines Nigeria’s economic stability and threatens maritime security. It causes significant environmental degradation,” he said.
Manga said the navy had intensified its anti-illegal bunkering operations within the state to ensure that the nation’s oil assets are safe.
“The base is committed to combating maritime crimes within its area of operations.
“This arrest is part of the sustained operational efforts aimed at actualising the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS.
“Our patrols are strategically designed to protect critical national assets, safeguard offshore and coastal infrastructure, and secure commercial maritime routes within our operational environment,” he said.
The commander warned perpetrators of illegal maritime activities to desist immediately, saying the navy remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, Mr Taiwo Adetona, added that the commission would ensure thorough investigation and that those found liable would be prosecuted accordingly. (NAN)
