THE Nigerian Navy has paraded 19 suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, the suspects were arrested with five vessels and a Cotonou boat laden with illegally refined diesel at a private jetty in the Woji axis of the city.
Ibrahim told journalists that the ships were impounded while discretely discharging about 108,000 litres of diesel into five badges without licence.
He said that troops stormed the spot after getting an intelligence report on the nefarious activities of the detained.
“We discovered on Monday that the vessels, MV Denis, MV Faith, MV Lum VII, MV Eliora, FP Comfort and a large Cotonou boat were discharging illegally refined products into five badges.
“This is a clear case of illegal bunkering going by the position of the Federal Government on sourcing and distribution of illegally refined petroleum products.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the individuals and groups behind this illicit trade,” the naval official said.
Ibrahim disclosed that intelligence had revealed that oil thieves now connive with owners of private jetties to transport stolen petroleum products and illegal wares.
He said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas had ordered constant checks on both public and private jetties to ensure drastic reduction of oil theft.
“In line with this mandate, we have maintained constant watch while extending same watch on private jetties to ensure that only legal transactions occur at the jetties.’’
