The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspected crude oil thieves along with a tanker truck and a Mazda vehicle carrying 1,300 liters of illegally refined products in Bayelsa.
Commander Sunday Lakan of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists at the NNS SOROH base.
According to Commodore Lakan, the Navy, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the stolen products being transported from an illegal refinery site.
“Our men apprehended this truck loaded with suspected crude oil stolen from a wellhead. The driver fled upon seeing our men, leaving the key behind,” he explained.
Additionally, a Mazda 323 vehicle containing products suspected to be illegally refined diesel and kerosene was also seized, along with two suspects apprehended in connection with the illegal activity.
Commodore Lakan assured that thorough investigations would be conducted, and all arrested individuals would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
He emphasized the need for those engaged in illegal activities to desist and engage in lawful businesses, warning that the law would catch up with them eventually.
The Commander called for the cooperation of law-abiding citizens in assisting the military to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining sites, citing their detrimental impact on the country’s economy.
One of the suspects, Mr. Nelson Adeh, admitted to being a driver hired to transport the products and pleaded for forgiveness, promising not to engage in such illegal activities if given bail.
