The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday said two suspects have been arrested by its personnel on anti-crude oil theft operations.
A statement from Navy spokesman, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, said the arrest was made by a patrol team deployed by the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.
He said the suspects who have been handed over to officials of NSCDC for persecution, were picked up on 21 July 2016 at Ugbosede Community in Warri South West Local Government of Delta State.
He added that their arrest is in connection with the discovery of illegal refinery in the area, adding that at the time of arrest, items recovered from them include 115 HP outboard engine speed boat.
He said a 90 HP boat conveying five drums each of substances suspected to be illegally refined AGO, were also recovered.
Ezekobe also said on 5th August 2016, the patrol team deployed by NNS Pathfinder raided Betaland, an enclave close to Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State.
He said, “During the raid, an illegal refinery site was discovered and destroyed. Items also destroyed in the site include 4 storage tanks each ladens with about 40,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO and a Cotonou boat containing about 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
“The Nigerian Navy is once again sending a strong message to the criminal elements who are sabotaging the economic assets of the country to have a rethink or face the full wrath of the law.”
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