The Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has confirmed the arrest of eleven sailors aboard a vessel and tugboat with an estimated 6,000 tons of stolen crude oil along the waterways in Bayelsa State.
The sailors were aboard a vessel registered as MT DERA and a tugboat RUNNER CHARLEY.
The Nigerian Navy, according to the statement issued by Lieutenant Commander Eddie Yeibo, detained the vessel and tugboat along the Eremor 1 Marginal Oil Field located off Peretorugbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State.
Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, speaking about their find, noted that the Command has made several successful raids on illegal refinery sites in the fight against crude oil theft barely two weeks into his assumption of office.
He attributed the feat to the zero tolerance stance on crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, and other sundry crimes by Central Naval Command in its Area of Responsibility.
He assured that the Navy would continue to make the illegal business of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other sundry crimes unattractive for criminals. He further warned that oil thieves should desist from all forms of illegal activity and become involved in meaningful and legitimate businesses.
