
From Mfon Ekefre, Uyo
The NNS Jubilee, a Naval Base in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State has arrested 13 oil bunkering operators with 113 drums of petrol with 250 litres each at the beach of Ibeno Local Government Area.
Parading the suspects while briefing journalists before handing them over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Commander, Commofore Saidu Garuba, said the NNS Special Beat Patrol, acting on credible information, arrested the suspects with three Cotonou boats containing the suspected products.
Garuba reiterated that the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) strategic directive was aimed at stamping out all forms of illegalities and criminalities in the Niger Delta Region, adding that it was the Navy’s commitment to vigorously pursue the agenda to rid the maritime environment of bad elements.
He said Navy would continue to provide adequate security and combat all security challenges within the nation’s maritime domain for national development.
The NNS commander said these unregulated refining processes have caused a heavy environmental degradation, health hazard and loss of revenue for the nation, hence the illegal activities by the perpetrators amount to assault to the collective interest of the nation, thereby constituting huge economic sabotage running into millions of naira.
He said the Nigerian Navy would continue to cooperate with other security agencies to bring crime and other nefarious activities to the barest minimum as well as its firm commitment to maintain peace and order.
Receiving the 13 suspects, the state Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mrs Obiageli Obiagulu, represented by the Chief superintendent of the NSCDC incharge of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Mr. Ojimpa Abel commended Garuba for his commitment and the significant role of the Navy, particularly by its collaboration with other security agencies in the state and for creating a synergy for easy operation.
Obigelu assured that the NSCDC would, in all ramifications, exercise its statutory duty with proper investigation of the suspects and if found guilty they would face the wrath of the law.
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