The Nigerian Navy yesterday handed over five suspected oil thieves and eight wooden vessels to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Base Operation Officer of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, Commander Umar Abubakar Sidi, while handing over the suspects and boats to NSCDC officials said the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal bunkering activities.
He said, “The boat was laden with products suspected to be illegally refined AGO and in line with the details of the harmonised standing operating procedure on arrest detention and persecution of vessels and persons in Nigerian maritime environment, we are here today to hand over the suspects and boats to the state representative of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.”
He urged residents to desist from all activities pertaining to illegal oil refining activities due to its health hazards to the populace.
Receiving the suspects and the boats, the Head of Anti-vandal for NSCDC, Mr I. A Peter, commended the navy for the synergy.
