Crude Oil Theft: JTF Takes Over Six Suspects, Seven Boats From Navy

Crude Oil Theft: JTF Takes Over Six Suspects, Seven Boats From Navy

Sylvester Idowu

The Joint Task Force (JTF) codenamed Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) has taken over six suspected oil thieves and seven loaded Cotonou boats from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta), Warri, for further investigation.

During the handing over ceremony at the NNS Delta’s base in Warri, its Commander, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu disclosed that the suspects were arrested with products believed to be illegally refined diesel, also known as AGO, estimated to be 540,000 liters.

Dewu, who was represented by the Executive Officer (XO) of the NNSDelta, Navy Captain Adeyemi Adewuyi, said the suspects were apprehended last Wednesday, March 6, 2019 and that the product was said to have been procured from Opudebubo Creek in Warri South-West Local Government area of Delta state.

He warned those involved in illegal activities in the maritime environment within the NNS Delta area of responsibility (AOR) to desist or face the law, as the Nigerian Navy would not relent in its efforts to make the Niger Delta safe and fit for legitimate activities.

“We are handing over seven Cotonou boats that were arrested on March 6 to appropriate security agencies. The boats were arrested at Opudebubo Creek in Warri South-West council area of Delta state. According to the suspects, they came all the way from Igbokoda in Ondo state to buy the products from the creek. They said they were taking the product to Igbonla in Okitipupa in the Igbokoda area of Ondo state.

“The quantity is estimated at 540,000 liters of AGO, illegally refined. We managed to arrest six suspects. The original number of the Cotonou boats was eight, however, one of them sank at the point of arrest, due to leakage. Investigation is still on and that’s why we are handing them over to the appropriate prosecuting agency for all other facts to come out.

“I want to use this opportunity to warn all the criminals like pipeline vandals, to desist from their nefarious ways. Nigerian Navy will not relent in her efforts to stamp out criminality in the creeks of the Niger Delta”, he said.

One of the suspects, who identified himself as Odusola Irewole said he was a first timer in the illegal business, adding that he was pushed into it by lack of a gainful employment.

“We came from Ondo state on the 6th of this month to buy diesel in Opudebubo Creek. I don’t know the seller because I’m just a worker in the boat. The owner of the business is in Ondo state now.

“This is my first time because this boat is a new boat. I’m doing this job because there’s no job anywhere else, nothing to survive on. I didn’t know it was illegal, it is now that I’m getting to know”, the suspect said.

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