The Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy has impounded a barge christened, MV New Victory 1, loaded with 800 metric tons of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, otherwise known as diesel.
The Flag Officer Commanding CNC, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, said Monday that a naval patrol team of the Forward Operating Base (FORMOSO) arrested the barge at Odekiri creek around Santa-Brabra River, Bayelsa State.
He said the arrest, which he described as a tremendous feat, was made possible following a coordinated intelligence by the navy.
He said the 800 tons amounted to 800,000 litres and capable of filling more than 24 trailers of 33,000 litres each.
“The barge’s characteristics include, 50 metres length, 12 metres width and 2.6 metres depth,” he said.
Suleiman warned that criminally-minded people operating in the maritime environment should keep off or face the full wrath of the law.
He reiterated that the CNC would continue to make the business of oil theft unattractive to individuals operating in the maritime environment.
“The Navy will continue to arrest vessels involved in maritime crimes in the Central Naval Command area of responsibility,” he said.
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