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Illegal Site: Navy Arrests Two, Seizes 200,000 Litres Of Refined Diesel In Rivers
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigerian Navy has arrested two individuals for alleged involvement in oil theft activities in Rivers State.
The suspects were caught operating a covert bunkering operation hidden within their private residence.
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Commodore Desmond Igbo, Commander of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, visited the site in Okwuzi community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, on Wednesday with reporters.
During a search and seizure operation, the naval personnel discovered approximately 200,000 litres of illegally refined diesel stored on the premises.
Commodore Igbo explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence, which led to the identification of the private compound used exclusively for illegal refining. The refined diesel, bagged in sacks, is suspected to be derived from crude oil siphoned from local pipelines.
Igbo described the recent operation as timely, adding that the product was already packaged for sale.
“We arrested the owner of the property and one of his workers, while efforts are ongoing to arrest others involved in the criminal act.
“Recall that a few weeks ago, the Nigerian Navy relaunched phase three of Operation Delta Sanity aimed at curbing crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and related illicit activities in the Niger Delta.
“The stealing of crude oil is bad for the economy, and so, NNS Pathfinder is determined to apprehend those undermining the nation’s economy, whether on land or water,” Igbo said.
He further stated that the suspects would be transferred to the appropriate prosecuting authorities.
He mentioned that the unauthorized bunkering location has been cordoned off as the investigation is underway.
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He indicated that the navy had been tasked with augmenting the nation’s crude oil production to fulfill the OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day for the current year.
Igbo disclosed that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has directed the naval forces to intensify surveillance around the oil installations to achieve the objective.
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