The Nigerian Navy, Operation Delta Sanity 2, has arrested 9 suspected oil thieves at a wellhead, situated at about 26 nautical miles offshore in Akwa Ibom.
The commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubakar Umar, acknowledged this in a press briefing at Ibaka in Mbo Native Authorities Space of the state on Saturday.
He mentioned that the Chief of Naval Employees, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, flagged off Operation Delta Sanity 2 on Dec. 30, 2024 as a continuation of the mandate of Operation DELTA SANITY 1.
He defined that the operation’s goal was to checkmate crude oil theft, unlawful bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, sea theft and piracy amongst different maritime crimes within the Japanese flank of the nation’s maritime setting.
Mr Umar mentioned that the target aimed toward growing the nation’s crude oil manufacturing.
He added the for the reason that launch of the operation, the Job Group had performed collection of maritime and air patrols in addition to interdiction operations.
He, nevertheless mentioned {that a} wood boat suspected to be finishing up act of financial sabotage with 9 individuals had been arrested on the neighborhood of one of many wellheads inside Japanese Naval Command space of accountability.
Mr Umar mentioned the arrest was a results of joint intelligence collaboration between the safety crew of the Nigerian Navy and the State Safety Service, SSS.
He mentioned that the arrest demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve and dedication to scale back maritime-related crimes within the nation to the barest minimal.
He mentioned that the hassle aligned with the will of the Chief of Naval Employees, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for a synergy between the Armed Forces and different safety businesses.
The commander warned oil thieves and different felony components working within the nation’s Japanese flank to desist from their acts of financial sabotage because the Navy was poised to deal ruthlessly with financial saboteurs.
In line with Mr Umar, the suspects shall be completely investigated and if discovered wanting, they may face the complete wrath of the legislation.
