The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta has turned over two individuals suspected of oil theft to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation.
The suspects were handed over on Wednesday at the Naval Base in Warri, Delta State.
Navy Capt. During the handover, Solomon Paul, the Executive Officer of NNS Delta, represented the Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya.
According to Commodore Yahaya, the suspects were apprehended on September 17, 2023, at the Asugbo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
This achievement was made possible through the efforts of the NNS Delta patrol team working in conjunction with the Ocean Marine Solution surveillance staff, a Nigerian maritime security solutions provider.
“On September 17, 2023, at about 2:35 pm, the NNS Delta Patrol team in conjunction with the surveillance staff of the OMS, while on patrol at Asugbo Creek, discovered a vandalized and leaking pipeline,” said Yahaya.
The naval team conducted further investigations and intercepted three individuals in a canoe boat approximately 20 meters from the vandalized pipelines. Two of the individuals were apprehended.
Although the suspects claimed to be fishermen, they had no fishing gear with them, and the patrol team did not find any fishing nets or hooks in the vicinity.
Yahaya emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the illegal connection to the oil pipeline in Asugbo Creek and take appropriate legal action.
He also issued a warning to those involved in crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the maritime area to cease their actions.
The handover of the suspects aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff’s “Strategic Directive 2023 – 6,” aimed at eliminating oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the NNS Delta’s areas of responsibility.
Mr. Victor Igbinoba, the Divisional Head Officer of NSCDC in Warri South Local Government Area, received the suspects on behalf of the corps and assured that they would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
