Nigerian Navy Arrests 8 Suspected Oil Thieves in Lagos
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT arrested eight people on October 25 for suspected illegal bunkering activities in Lagos.
The suspects were found on a wooden boat laden with over 300 drums, pumping machines, and other equipment.
NNS BEECROFT commander, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said the arrest was made possible using the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcone Eye Alignment.
The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.
He gave the names of the suspects as: Selafei Tito, Seba Hunton, Etieni Abibu, Ahousansou Lawlent, Oke Job, Abel Yede, Matiye Husa and Husa Hungha.
“This illegal activity would have robbed the nation of huge quantity of products for consumption by Nigerians.
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“The timely interception by the patrol team is also commendable, as it prevents disaster associated with illegal handling of these inflatable petroleum products by unscrupulous people, “ the commander said.
Oguntuga said that the proactive response further reveals Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanurl Ogalla.
He said that the Navy would remain committed to safeguarding vital resources as well as the effective safety of live and property, particularly within the maritime domain.
“We remain resolute at effective ocean governance by ensuring the full weight of the law is meted on perpetrators of maritime crimes, which is necessary to sustain economic prosperity of the nation.
“The arrested persons will be properly interrogated to expose their motives and the identities of likely sponsors in the course of the investigation prior to prosecution,” Oguntuga said.
By PRNigeria
