The Nigerian Navy has arrested four suspected crude oil thieves and seized a large consignment of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects were arrested during an anti-crude oil theft patrol by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda, following credible intelligence on illegal oil activities in the area.
The Commanding Officer of the base, Captain Andy Alemongwa, said the principal suspect attempted to escape after sighting the naval patrol team but was intercepted alongside his accomplices.
Items recovered included 100 jerry cans of 30 litres each, a 1,000-litre storage tank containing suspected illegally refined petroleum products and several tools allegedly used for siphoning crude oil.
Alemongwa said the patrol team also intercepted a boat operator allegedly conveying suspected Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The boat was found carrying 29 jerry cans of 50 litres each and nine jerry cans of 30 litres containing the suspected PMS.
He said none of the suspects could produce documents authorising the storage or transportation of the petroleum products or prove that they were lawfully obtained.
The Navy subsequently handed over the suspects and recovered items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.
