Navy uncovers hideout, arrests 16 crude oil thieves in Delta

The Nigerian Navy, Friday, said it uncovered a hideout of crude oil thieves in Oteghale community, Warri-South Local Government Area of Delta State and arrested 16 suspects.

Confirming the development, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Augustine Suleiman, said the arrest of the suspects was made possible via a tip-off.

According to him, “The operatives discovered a hop tap on the Trans Forcados pipeline fixed with six inches valve that allows crude oil thieves’ access to Nigerian crude unhindered.

“A trip to the site revealed drums of over 8,000 tones through illegal trades and the operatives realised that the Cotonou boats were not available and illegal refineries no longer existing with impunity.”

While assuring the general public of their preparedness to end the illicit trade, he said, “The suspects would be handed over to the police for further prosecution.

“What they are doing now is to connect pipes to the export line. They attach the pipes to the line and lay the pipes as far as two kilometers off shore and load directly from there,” Rear Admiral Suleman added.