The Nigerian Navy has destroyed a camp of suspected crude oil thieves and arrested two suspects in Rivers State.
This is according to a statement by the Director of Information, Commodore Adams-Aliu.
Adams-Aliu revealed that the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY engaged the suspects in a firefight on July 21, 2024, at Elem-Akrakama and Elem-Tombia, forcing them to retreat into surrounding creeks.
The operation resulted in the destruction of the criminals’ camp and boats, with one suspect neutralized and two arrested. Recovered items include two outboard engines and two Motorola walkie-talkie radios.
This operation is part of Operation DELTA SANITY, launched in January 2024 to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta Region. The operation has resulted in:
– 24 suspects and 6 vessels arrested
– 122 illegal refinery sites deactivated
– 57 wooden boats destroyed
The Nigerian Navy warns those involved in crude oil theft and other illegalities to desist, as they will stop at nothing to restore sanity and order in the Niger Delta region.
Recall that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla launched Operation DELTA SANITY in January 2024 to combat Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta Region. The operation involves the deployment of more personnel, platforms, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations.
The remarkable successes of the operation led to its extension in April 2024 and another extension in July 2024. Between April-July 2024, 24 suspects and 6 vessels have been arrested, while 122 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated and 57 wooden boats destroyed.
The successful operation by Quick Response Team of Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY is one of the many effective interdiction operations conducted by Nigerian Navy units in Niger Delta Region.
Once again, nefarious elements involved in Crude Oil Theft and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime space are warned to desist from such acts as the Nigerian Navy will stop at nothing to restore sanity and order in the Niger Delta Region.
