Security operatives destroy boats conveying ‘250,000 litres of stolen petroleum products’

Security operatives have arrested five suspects using wooden boats to convey “illegally acquired adulterated” petroleum products in Igbokoda waterways of Ondo state.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday by the members of the joint task force, comprising operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tantita Security Services and Nigerian Army.

In a statement on Monday, Aidamenbor Daniel, spokesperson of the Ondo command of the NSCDC, identified the suspects as Orofin Olorunjuwon, Enigbewo Sunday, Ayeyiwa Ilumaro, Owoyemi Ete and Okorisa Noah.

Daniel said the “joint task force set the illegally acquired petroleum products ablaze on the high sea”.

The spokesperson said the suspects and other exhibits are in custody for prosecution.

“The suspects were arrested on Sunday, 9th June, 2024, at Igbokoda waterways of Ondo State with two large wooden boats filled with about two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) litres of adulterated petroleum products, three (3) outboard boat engines and two (2) pumping machines,” the statement reads.

“Commandant Ibiloye assured that the joint operation and routine patrol of the waterways will be a continuous exercise to rid Ondo state of economic saboteurs while the arrested suspects will be prosecuted according to our extant laws to serve as deterrent to other criminal elements.”