The operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) deployed by NNS PATHFINDER have arrested MT SEA EUNICE for alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkery activities. Preliminary investigation revealed that, while the vessel was nominated to load 400 Metric Tones (MT) of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), it was discovered that she had about 1,000 MT of AGO onboard even as the final process for loading approval was not completed. The vessel would be handed over to relevant prosecuting agency for further action.

Similarly, the patrol teams deployed by FOB BONNY on 1 Nov 16 raided Ogbunku and Bolo Creeks in Rivers State. During the raids, the team destroyed 2 illegal refineries, 1 Cotonou boat and 6 storage tanks containing suspected illegally refined AGO. Other items destroyed include 4 storage tanks of suspected stolen crude oil and 3 speedboats carrying 8 drums each of suspected illegally refined AGO. Additionally, the patrol team recovered 3 outboard engines of 40 Horse Power capacity and 3 pumping machines.

Furthermore, on 3 November 16, FOB ESCRAVOS patrol team raided an illegal refinery site at Sara Creek and Ekpemu Community in Warri South West LGA, Delta State. During the raid, the patrol team destroyed 50 cooking points, 9 Cotonou boat containing large quantities of suspected stolen crude oil and about 1000 jerry cans of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) In another development, NNS PATHFINDER patrol team raided an illegal refinery site around Ogu-bolo and Degema LGAs of Rivers State and destroyed 5 illegal refineries as well as one Cotonou boat carrying 50 drums of illegally refined AGO.

Nigerian Navy Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, confirmed the exploits in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He sent out “a strong warning signal to vessels and elements operating in the maritime domain to avoid the temptation of engaging in criminal activities as the service would not tolerate any form of economic sabotage and security breaches in the area.”

•Photo shows a naval patrol team on duty.