Men of the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, headquarters of the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have arrested four suspected crude oil thieves.

A large consignment of suspected illegally refined petroleum products was also seized during the operation.

Following the arrest, the suspect and the confiscated consignment were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to the Commanding Officer of FOB Igbokoda, Captain Andy Alemongwa, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence on illegal crude oil activities in the axis by the anti-crude oil theft patrol.

While speaking with development on the development, Alemongwa stressed that the principal suspect attempted to flee upon sighting the naval patrol team but was swiftly intercepted alongside his accomplices.

The Commanding Officer listed items recovered during the operation to include 100 jerry cans of 30 liters each, one 1,000-liter storage tank containing suspected illegally refined petroleum products, and several tools suspected to have been used for siphoning crude oil.

He added that while returning from the operation, the patrol team intercepted a boat operator in the vicinity illegally conveying petroleum products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

According to him, the intercepted boat was found carrying 29 jerry cans of 50 liters each and nine jerry cans of 30 liters each loaded with the suspected PMS.

“None of the suspects could produce documents authorizing them to store or transport the petroleum products or provide proof that the products were lawfully obtained in accordance with existing regulations,” Alemongwa stated.

The Navy commander said the suspects and the recovered products were taken to FOB Igbokoda before being handed over to the NSCDC for investigation and possible prosecution, in line with the agency’s statutory mandate.

He described the operation as a demonstration of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.