Navy hands over two oil theft suspects to NSCDC in Delta

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, have handed over two persons allegedly arrested for oil theft, to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to NAN, Solomon Paul, executive officer of the NNS Delta, handed over the suspects for further interrogation on behalf of Chindo Yahaya, commander of the marine body, on Wednesday at the Naval Base in Warri.

Yahaya said the suspects’ apprehension was aided by efforts of the Ocean Marine Solution (OMS) surveillance staff, an indigenous maritime security solutions group working to protect national assets in the oil and gas industry.

The commander said the suspects were arrested on September 17 at the Asugbo creek in Warri South LGA after the patrol teams of the NNS and OMS discovered a vandalised and leaking pipeline.

“On further enquiry, they noticed an illegal connection on the pipeline,” he said.

“The team searched the surrounding area and intercepted three persons in a canoe boat, 20 metres away from the vandalised pipelines.

“They wanted to escape but two among them were intercepted.”

Yahaya said the suspects claimed to be fishermen but a search did not reveal fishing gears, nets, or hooks within the immediate environment they were apprehended.

The naval officer added that the suspects were unable to explain why they attempted to escape, and the whereabouts of their accomplice.

He called for a thorough investigation to nab those responsible for the illegal oil pipeline connection in Asugbo creek and warned those engaging in crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities in the maritime space to stop.

Victor Igbinoba, divisional head officer of the NSCDC in Warri South LGA, received the suspects on behalf of the corps and promised that they will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.