Navy arrest oil thieves with N11m worth of diesel

chika ebuzor

January 18, 2016 2:08 AM

The suspects have since been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Nigerian Navy intercepted a wooden boat carrying diesel worth N11m, and subsequently arrested two crew members aboard.

Punch Newspapers reports that the boat and the suspects have since been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking to newsmen, the Base Information Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Lt.-Cdr. Hamman Ahmed said in a statement, on behalf of the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim that “During investigation, we discovered that the vessel manned by two crew members had no competency to justify them serving on board the vessel.

“Similarly, the vessel had no authorization from both the navy and other relevant government agencies to move petroleum products. The navy will continue to maintain its zero tolerance on crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and piracy in the nation’s maritime environment.”

On his part, the Head of Counter-terrorism and General Investigation of the EFCC in Rivers State, Mr. David Iyang, thanked the Navy, adding that those found guilty will be prosecuted.

Read: Nigerian Navy impound trucks, cars with illegally refined AGO

The EFCC is empowered to prevent, investigate, prosecute and penalise economic and financial crimes and is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the provisions of other laws and regulations relating to economic and financial crimes

chika ebuzor