The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Adm. Apochi Suleiman, has warned criminals operating on the waterways to desist or face the full weight the law.

Suleiman gave the warning on Monday during his maiden visit to Warri, Delta.

The naval boss said there were intelligence reports that some ex-militants were planning return to the creeks to sabotage economic activities in the region and warned them to have a rethink on their plans.

“The Nigerian Navy will not take kindly to any act capable of breaching the prevailing peace existing in the Niger Delta region.

“We are battle ready and we can never be caught unaware. It is in their best interest to forget whatever negative plans they are nursing to cause disaffection in the region.”

Suleiman advised the ex-militants to channel their grievances, if any, through Brig.-Gen. Paul Boro (rtd) the Coordinator, Federal Government Amnesty Programme, instead of taking laws into their hands.

He warned that his command would also deal with illegal oil bunkers, sea pirates, and all forms of criminality perpetrated in the area.

“The Chief of Naval Staff zero tolerance for illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities in the waterways must be implemented to the letter.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Chief of Naval Staff