The Nigerian Navy has arrested 11 suspects held over alleged crimes that borders on crude oil theft, pipe lines vandalism and operating illegal refineries.
A statement on Friday by Navy spokesman Commodore Christian Ezekobe said the Navy sustained its dominance in the waterways with extensive patrols and increased surveillance activities in line with the directives of Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
He stated that: “Between 21 and 28 of March 2016. The anti crude oil theft (Anti-COT) drive of the Nigerian Navy received a boost with successes recorded in raids conducted against illegal crude oil thieves, illegal refineries, smugglers and other criminalities along the waterways and creeks.”
Ezekobe said operatives of the Nigerian Navy arrested 11 persons at various locations while equipments used for illegal oil refinery and pipeline vandalism were destroyed.
He said some of the arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
The navy said it wishes to restate its resolve to ensure that maritime criminals and operators of illegal refineries are decisively dealt with as a deterrent to others wishing to sabotage critical national economic assets.
