By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Nigerian Navy has arrested eleven persons suspected of engaging in construction of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta creeks.
According to a Naval statement made available to Flowerbudnews on Monday in Abuja, the suspects were arrested by the Base Tactical Response and Assault Squadron while on patrol around Krakrama Creeks.
The Naval operatives intercepted a boat with 11 crew and laden with 10 metal plates, 14 angle iron as well as 20 gas cylinders, the statement disclosed.
The patrol operation was ‘In line with the CNS’ strategic mandate on zero tolerance for crude oil and other petroleum products theft” the statement said , adding the Naval Base remained resolute in conducting operations to deny the oil thieves freedom of action in its Area of Operations.
”Consequently, 23 Jan 24, the Base Tactical Response and Assault Squadron while on routine patrol around Krakrama Creeks, intercepted a boat with 11 crew and laden with 10 metal plates, 14 angle iron as well as 20 gas cylinders.
‘:The items were carefully concealed in a wooden boat are materials used for the construction of illegal refinery sites in the creeks,” the Navy said.
The Naval statement said that ‘:findings revealed that the suspects were conveying the items to Bille general area for the construction of an illegal refining site.”
It said that ‘:additional investigation revealed that the arrested suspects are workers used for the construction of the illegal refining site. The arrested suspects claimed they were contracted by one Mr John.
‘:At the moment, the Base is making concerted efforts to arrest Mr John and other suspects involved in this criminal act.”
The Naval Authorities, through NNS PATHFINDER, warned ‘:oil thieves and other criminals within Bile and other part of Rivers State to repent as the Base will stop at nothing to ensure they are arrested and brought to justice.”
It emphasised that the Naval Base would not be ”deterred by blackmail or antics of enemies of the nation against the Nigerian Navy in the discharge of its constitutional duties’:
The Base ensured ‘:the good people of Rivers State of its readiness to provide a peaceful and secure environment that would enable them conduct their legitimate commercial activities’:.
NNS PATHFINDER urged the people to ‘:continue to support with the provision of information on suspicious criminal activities.’:.
It disclosed that the Base had handed over the 11 suspects to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.(Flowerbudnews)
