Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Navy has arrested eight suspected oil thieves and seized 44,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Director of Information of the Navy, Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
He said the suspects were apprehended in the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo general areas following credible intelligence on illicit oil activities.
According to him, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder intercepted two wooden boats conveying about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
Folorunsho noted that eight suspects were arrested during the operation, while other armed accomplices fled on sighting the naval patrol team.
He added that the suspects and recovered products are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against crude oil theft, in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas.