The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has transferred two individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft to officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation. The handover occurred on Wednesday at the Naval Base in Warri.
Navy Captain Solomon Paul, the Executive Officer of NNS Delta, represented Commodore Chindo Yahaya, the Commander of NNS Delta, during the handover. Yahaya explained that the suspects were apprehended on September 17 at the Asugbo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The successful operation was carried out by the NNS Delta patrol team in collaboration with the Ocean Marine Solution (OMS) surveillance staff. OMS is a Nigerian maritime security solutions provider accredited to safeguard national assets in the oil and gas industry.
During the operation, the patrol team discovered a vandalized and leaking pipeline at Asugbo Creek. Upon further investigation, they identified an illegal connection to the pipeline. The team then intercepted three individuals in a canoe boat located 20 meters from the vandalized pipelines. While two of them were captured, the third individual managed to escape.
Despite claiming to be fishermen, the suspects could not provide any fishing equipment, such as gear, nets, or hooks. Their inability to provide a convincing explanation for attempting to escape and their accomplice’s whereabouts necessitated a thorough investigation to determine responsibility for the illegal pipeline connection. The Nigerian Navy emphasized its commitment to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism in its designated areas of responsibility.
Victor Igbinoba, the Divisional Head Officer of the NSCDC in Warri South Local Government Area, received the suspects on behalf of the corps and assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, and legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.
