Navy arrests oil thieves

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, says that it has arrested 12 suspected oil theft in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

Commordore Abdu Odumu, Commanding Officer of FOB disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Monday, said the suspects were arrested with 200 drums of 250 litres each of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).

Odumu said other items recovered from the suspects included: smugglers boat, four pumping machine and 20 drums illicit gin.

He said that the suspects were arrested due to regular surveillance by officers and men of the command.
“It was as a result of regular patrol that we were able to arrest these suspects,’’ he said.

The Commanding Officer noted that oil theft had drastically reduced revenue of the country.
“If Nigeria continues to lose this on daily basis, it is going to have a negative impact on the revenue of the country.

Odumu said the Nigerian Navy would ensure zero tolerance on oil theft and other illegality committed at sea within the Nigeria territorial waters.

He handed over the suspects to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, adding that the arrest would serve as a deterrent to others.

In his response, Mr Pedro Ideba, Akwa Ibom Commandant of NSCDC, congratulates the Nigerian Navy for their effort to clamp down oil theft in the state.

“This is one of the numerous arrest made by Nigerian Navy and hand over to us. It is only in Nigeria that we hear a lot of oil theft and bunkering activities,’’ he said.

He said that the command was ready to partner Nigerian Navy and to ensure reduce oil theft to its barest minimum.

“We want to discourage those who want to sabotage the economy of the country and ensure that we won’t disappoint Nigerians as we go about our lawful duties.

He said that the command would subject the suspects to investigation and ensure that those involved in the crime are persecuted.