The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, has apprehended and handed over two suspected oil thieves to officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation. The suspects were handed over on Wednesday at the premises of the Naval Base in Warri.
Navy Capt. Solomon Paul, Executive Officer of the NNS Delta, handed the suspects to representatives of the NSCDC on behalf of Commodore Chindo Yahaya, the Commander of NNS Delta.
The suspects were captured on September 17th at the Asugbo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area of the state. This successful operation was made possible by the NNS Delta patrol team, in collaboration with the Ocean Marine Solution, OMS, surveillance staff. OMS is a recognized Nigerian maritime security solutions provider, safeguarding national assets in the oil and gas industry.
“On September 17, 2023, at about 2:35 pm, the NNS Delta patrol team, along with OMS surveillance staff, discovered a vandalized and leaking pipeline at Asugbo Creek,” explained Commodore Yahaya. “Upon further investigation, they noticed an illegal connection on the pipeline. The team searched the surrounding area and intercepted three individuals in a canoe boat located 20 meters away from the vandalized pipeline. Although they attempted to escape, two of them were apprehended,” he added.
After interrogation, the suspects claimed to be fishermen; however, no fishing gear was found with them, and the patrol team did not observe any fishing nets or hooks in the immediate vicinity of their arrest. The suspects were also unable to provide a convincing explanation for why they tried to flee or disclose the whereabouts of their accomplice.
Commodore Yahaya emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the individuals responsible for the illegal connection on the Asugbo Creek oil pipeline, ensuring appropriate legal action is taken. He issued a warning to those involved in crude oil theft and other maritime criminal activities to cease their harmful actions.
In line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s “Strategic Directive 2023 – 6,” NNS Delta is committed to eliminating oil theft and pipeline vandalism within its jurisdiction.
The Divisional Head Officer of the NSCDC in Warri South Local Government Area, Victor Igbinoba, received the suspects on behalf of the corps. Igbinoba pledged that the suspects would undergo a comprehensive investigation and subsequently face prosecution in accordance with the law.
NAN
