The Nigerian Navy says it has intensified the ongoing clampdown on illegal crude oil thieves and other related crimes in the Maritime sector, with the raid of 23 illegal refineries in Delta State.

Rear Admiral Christian Ezekobe, Director of Naval Information disclosed that between 19 and 24 December 2016, the Navy recorded an impressive result in this regard, stressing that the vigilance of the service personnel helped to avert the departure of more than 47 stowaways who attempted to leave the country illegally onboard some merchant vessels.

“From the foregoing, the patrol team deployed by NNS DELTA arrested the Captain of a merchant Vessel, one Mr. Solomon Perebo for his alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism. Additionally, under this period of time, 23 illegal refinery sites were raided by the Base’s patrol teams mainly in Obodo, Ajosolo, Isaba and Olakpashe creeks in Warri South West LGA of Delta State.

“During the raid, about 396 Metric-Tons (MT) of suspected illegally refined AGO and about 1,060MT of suspected stolen crude oil were destroyed. Three suspects linked to the sites were also apprehended.

“In a related development, the patrol team deployed by NNS JUBILEE raided an illegal refinery site at Ibeno community in Ibeno LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The raid which was conducted in conjunction with security partners resulted to the destruction of two Cotonou boats, and six drums containing suspected illegally refined AGO.”

The Navy also disclosed that operatives of NNS PATHFINDER intercepted a wooden barge conveying about 110MT of suspected illegally refined AGO around the Federal Ocean Terminal/Federal Lighter Terminal (FOT/FLT) anchorage in Onne Rivers State.

“This feat is sequel to the interception of another barge laden with about 50MT of suspected illegally refined AGO around Ikpokiri in Onne, Rivers State.

“Consequently, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. has commended the efforts of the personnel in driving the process of clearing illegal refinery sites and mitigating other security threats in the maritime areas. The CNS also noted the increasing attempts by some desperate persons to board merchant vessels illegally as stowaways.”

In view of this, the Nigerian Navy appealed to Captains of merchant vessels and all seafarers to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement around their vessels in order to enhance the security of their vessels.

•Nigerian Navy patrol crew.