Navy busts oil thieves in Delta, 3 suspects arrested

Personnel of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta have busted a ring of oil thieves in Delta with three suspects arrested.

Parading two suspects and recovered items at the Warri Naval Base on Wednesday, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, said that the suspects were arrested by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos anti-crude oil theft team.

Zubairu said that the suspected crude oil thieves were arrested at Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Malu Jacket, 19 offshore, Escravos in the Niger Delta creek.

He said that its personnel conducted a sting operation in the early hours of Sunday following credible intelligence.

According to Zubairu, three of the suspects were apprehended at the scene, while others fled in six speedboats powered by 200HP engines and carrying nine drums a piece.

The naval chief said that the modus operandi of the suspects further indicated the involvement of a well-organised and well-resourced syndicate.

NAN