The
Nigerian Navy has intensified the ongoing clampdown on illegal crude
oil thieves, illegal refineries and other related crimes in the maritime
areas. Between 19 – 24 December 2016, the NN recorded an impressive
result in this regard. This is even as the vigilance of the service
personnel helped to avert the departure of more than 47 stowaways who
attempted to leave the country illegally onboard some merchant vessels.
From
the foregoing, the patrol team deployed by NNS DELTA arrested the
Captain of a merchant Vessel, one Mr Solomon Perebo for his alleged
involvement in pipeline vandalism. Additionally, under this period of
time, 23 illegal refinery sites were raided by the Base’s patrol teams
mainly in Obodo, Ajosolo, Isaba and Olakpashe creeks in Warri South West
LGA of Delta State. During the raid, about 396 Metric-Tons (MT) of
suspected illegally refined AGO and about 1,060MT of suspected stolen
crude oil were destroyed, 3 suspects linked to the sites were also
apprehended.
In a related development, the
patrol team deployed by NNS JUBILEE raided an illegal refinery site at
Ibeno community in Ibeno LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The raid which was
conducted in conjunction with security partners resulted to the
destruction of 2 cotonou boats, and 6 drums containing suspected
illegally refined AGO.
Meanwhile, operatives of
NNS PATHFINDER have intercepted a wooden barge conveying about 110MT of
suspected illegally refined AGO around the Federal Ocean
Terminal/Federal Lighter Terminal (FOT/FLT) anchorage in Onne Rivers
State. This feat is sequel to the interception of another barge laden
with about 50MT of suspected illegally refined AGO around Ikpokiri in
Onne Rivers State.
Consequently, the Chief of
the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has commended the
efforts of the personnel in driving the process of clearing illegal
refinery sites and mitigating other security threats in the maritime
areas. The CNS also noted the increasing attempts by some desperate
persons to board merchant vessels illegally as stowaways. In view of
this, the NN wishes to remind Captains of merchant vessels and all
seafarers to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement around their
vessels in order to enhance the security of their vessels.
In
view of the importance of this operation in the economic prosperity of
the nation, you are please requested to disseminate this information for
the awareness of the general public.
Rear Admiral CHRISTIAN EZEKOBE
Director of Information
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