Navy impounds 285 metric tons of crude oil in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy Shipyard, Pathfinder, in Port Harcourt, said yesterday that it impounded two badges carrying 285 metric tons of stolen crude oil estimated at N50 million.

Capt. Hassan Dogara, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Bonny, told newsmen that 11 suspects were arrested during the raid.

“Troops under my command on April 23 intercepted and arrested two-wooden badges containing an estimated 230 tons of suspected crude oil during a routine patrol of its area of responsibility. As our operatives approached the scene of the crime, the perpetrators’ fled. But we were able to arrest 11 suspects afterwards, impounded five speed boats and five patrol engines. The badges which were filled to the brim had several leakages, and so, spilled its content into the creeks and in the surrounding environment. In view of this development, troops quickly moved in and saved 230 tons and destroyed the badges with about 55 tons-leftover of the product to avoid further degradation of the environment,” he said.

Dogara said 230 tons of the product are with the Navy, awaiting further directives from the Eastern Naval Command. He added that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Usman Jubrin, has ordered strategic deployment of troops on waterways to stop oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

He further stated that the Navy would continue its 24-hour surveillance on waterways to stop illegalities on the nation’s maritime domain and attacks on oil installations.