RIVERS (Sundiata Post) – The Nigerian Navy said it’s personnel engaged in the anti oil theft operations in the Niger delta have uncovered an illegal storage facility used by illegal bunkerers of crude oil and refined products at Egbema Okwuzi town in Rivers State between July 21-24.
The navy said its operatives rescued four fishermen and seized 56 bags of cannabis within the period.
Director Naval information, Commodore Adams-Aliu, made this known, in a statement issued in Abuja.
The statement made available to Daily Sun, reads; “In the past few days, from 22 – 24 July 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain uncovered a storage facility for illegal oil bunkering, rescued 4 fishermen and seized 56 bags of cannabis within the period. Specifically on Monday, 22 July 2024, the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY, uncovered an illegal storage facility used by illegal bunkerers of crude oil and refined products at Egbema Okwuzi town in Rivers State. Accordingly, the team swiftly cordoned the area and arrested 2 suspects involved in the illegal activities.
About 68,000 litres of illegally refined Automative Gas Oil was stored in various containers, sacks, drums and tanks within the facility. Additionally, equipment such as pumping machines, hoses, and outboard engines, were also discovered within the illegal facility. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the owner of the illegal facility and other collaborators.
On the same day, Monday 22 July 2024 at about 9:40pm, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BADAGRY rescued 4 drowning fishermen about 10 nautical miles from Lagos Fair Way Bouy. The fishermen were all Ghanaians fishing within the area when their boat capsized due to the rough seas. In a different incident, on Wednesday 24 July 2024, the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 56 bags of cannabis sativa at MOBA Beach, Badagry. The Quick Response Team is currently in pursuit of the suspects who will be arrested soon.
It is important to remind all operators and stakeholders within the Nation’s maritime domain that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy is poised to keep Nation’s waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities. Consequently, nefarious elements are advised to desist from perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
