Navy arrest 17 suspected oil thieves

LAGOS – The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday in Lagos said it arrested 17 persons suspect to be oil thieves on board a ship, MV Long Island.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ilasanni Alade, made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Apapa, Lagos.
Alade said the command received an intelligence report on Dec. 2, at about 6 a.m. that MV Long Island was carrying a product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
“There was an intelligence report that MV Long Island was carrying product suspected to be stolen crude oil with armed hijackers on board outside the Lagos Bar.
“Acting on the intelligence tips, NN Ship Ikot-Abasi, a fast patrol boat of the command was deployed to carry out their arrest.
“The vessel was successfully intercepted and taken to the Naval Base Jetty, Apapa, where the elements of the NN Special Boat Services carried out the operation.
“Three suspected hijackers were arrested with two pump action rifles and ammunition alongside 14 crew members.
“The crew members on board the vessels were also arrested and are now being interrogated,’’ he said.
Alade said the sample of the product had been taken to the Department of Petroleum Resources for confirmation.
“At the end of the investigation, the suspects, the vessels and the stolen product will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution,’’ he said.
Alade, urged the general public not to hesitate in giving the Nigerian Navy any useful information that could lead to more arrest of other criminals.
He also emphasised on the zero tolerance of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Usman Jibrin, and advised the criminal-minded people to desist from the nefarious acts. (NAN)