Follow Us on Google
From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Men of the Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team (COT) of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State have arrested no fewer than 28 suspects for allegedly stealing 527,810 litres of crude oil in Awoye, a riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Commanding Officer, Captain Wasuku Alushi disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen at the naval base in Igbokoda.
He said “We intercepted a wooden boat, popularly known as “Cotonou Boat” laden with approximately 12,000 liters of crude oil around Illepte offshore at Awoye riverine community in Ilaje.
“Based on credible intelligence, our men of the Anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT) and illegal oil bunkering team intercepted a large wooden boat popularly known as Cotonou boat and 11 men on ground trans-shipping the stolen crude oil into another boat as the first Cotonou boat was taking in water
“Two other speed boats were also arrested alongside the wooden boat he explained,” he explained.
The Commanding officer added that “a few days back, a 15000 Metric Ton Vessel, MT Vinnalaris 1 Lagos, laden with about 515,870 litres of stolen crude oil and 17 suspects were arrested.”
He said the mandate of the Base is to serve as a force multiplier for the Western Naval Command, (WNC) in furtherance of its policing duties, particularly anti COT and illegal bunkering.
He added that the Base is operationally responsible to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command under the leadership of Rear Admiral MB Hassan.
The Naval boss reiterated the commitment of the to stamp out the menace of COT and other crimes in Igbokoda and its environs.
He emphasised that the suspects and exhibits would be handed over to the appropriate agency of government for further action.
