Navy arrests three, destroys refineries, others in Delta

THE Nigeria Navy has arrested three persons, including a woman for oil bunkering activities.

The naval authorities had launched a week-long operation to stem oil theft and other criminal activities in the Delta region.

During the raid by NNS Delta, it also uncovered and destroyed five illegal refinery sites.

Also smashed during the operation at the weekend in Warri South Council area, were about 350,000 metric tons of illegally refined crude oil stored in huge containers.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman led the raid that saw to the destruction of speedboats and expensive equipments worth several millions of naira.

In the same vein, 12 barges and Cotonou boats were destroyed at Jones Creek and Ekpenu.

Speaking shortly after the operation that lasted many hours, Suleiman reiterated that the war against oil bunkering would continue until perpetrators were brought to their knees.

Again, the FOC said the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive to stamp oil theft was in progress, saying that the mandate would be achieved with the support of all concerned, including the press, stakeholders and informants.

“It is possible that we may not be able to eradicate the scourge completely, but we will try as much as possible to reduce it to the barest minimum,” Suleiman said.

He disclosed that the arrested suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authorities after his institution is through with investigations.