Navy Makes Huge Recovery From Intercepted Boats ( See photos)

Gallant officers of the Nigerian navy operating in Port Harcourt have recorded huge success in its operation. The Punch reports that the officials of the navy ship ‘pathfinder’ on April 3 intercepted and seized two wooden boats during a routine patrol of the creeks and waterways.

Cdr. Ugochukwu Ajulu, base operations officer of NNS pathfinder told newsmen that the officials recovered about 100,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen diesel worth N20.4million from the confiscated boats. Ajulu, who spoke in Port Harcourt, also disclosed that three suspects were arrested on board one of the wooden boats seized in Rivers state, adding that the feat was achieved by troops in Akuku-Toru local government area of the state.

 “On March 31, our troops on routine patrol impounded two wooden boats carrying suspected illegally refined diesel in quantity of about 100,000 litres. “The first wooden boat transporting about 60 drums fully loaded with suspected stolen diesel was impounded along Bakana waterways with three suspects on board.

“The second boat which had over 100 drums laden with illegally refined diesel was seized while it anchored at Aiteo jetty near Abonema. About 5,000 litres of diesel was also stored in a compartment on the boat,” Ajulu said. According to him, the naval officers could not arrest any suspect from the second boat as the crew members took to their heels on sighting the advancing gunboats of the navy. Ajulu said investigation had commenced to root out the source and supply chain of the products. He said the apprehended suspects would be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.

The base operations officer pleaded with members of the public not to hesitate to provide useful information that would help facilitate the Nigerian navy operation in arresting illegal oil bunkers, sea pirates and vandals. However, one of the suspects who gave his name as Timothy Williamson told journalists that he committed the crime and pleaded for forgiveness. The suspect alleged that he was introduced to the illicit business by a lady popularly known as Mama.

“We supply the product to our madam in the city who in turn supplies the product to Peace Oil located at Elechi Beach area of Port Harcourt. “Please forgive me as I only indulged myself in this business because I have no job and money to feed myself and cater for my family,” Williamson said. The Nigerian navy on April 1, said it arrested 11 pipeline vandals who specializes in illegal crude oil activities in waterways and creeks across Nigeria. READ ALSO: Beware of recruitment scam artists, Nigerian navy warns (video)

This was contained in a statement issued by the director of naval information, Christain Ezekobe, who hinted that the vandals were arrested during an extensive surveillance activities carried out across Nigeria between March 21 and 28. “The anti-crude oil theft (Anti-COT) drive of the Nigerian navy received a boost with successes recorded in raids conducted against illegal crude oil thieves, illegal refineries, smugglers and other criminal activities along the waterways and creeks,” Ezekobe said.


Source; Naij.com