Navy Arrests 28 for Alleged Stealing of 527,810 Litres of Crude Oil in Ondo

Fidelis David in Akure

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (Forward Operating Base), Igbokoda Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team (COT), have arrested 28 suspects for allegedly stealing 527,810 litres of crude oil offshore, in Awoye riverine community, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Commanding Officer, Captain Wasuku Alushi, who disclosed this to newsmen at the Naval Base in Igbokoda, said on December 11, 2023, the operatives 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 transhipping the suspected stolen crude into another boat as the first Cotonou boat was taking in water.”

“ Two other speed boats were also arrested alongside the wooden boat.”

The Commanding officer noted that, “few days back, precisely on December 7, 2023, a 15000 Metric Ton Vessel, MT Vinnalaris 1 Lagos, laden with about 515,870 litres of stolen crude oil and 17 suspects were arrested 7 nautical miles, off the coast of Awoye Riverine Community, while actively siphoning crude oil from a wellhead operated by Conoil at Ebesan Oil Field.

He emphasised that the suspects and exhibits would be handed over to the appropriate agency of government for further action.

Alushi, who said the mandate of the Base was to serve as a force multiplier for the Western Naval Command, (WNC) in furtherance of its policing duties, particularly anti COT and illegal bunkering, stressed that the Base is operationally responsible to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command under the leadership of Rear Admiral MB Hassan.

Also, the Naval boss reiterated the commitment of the Base to stamp out the menace of COT and other crimes in Igbokoda and its environs.