The Nigerian Navy says it destroyed the camp of suspected crude oil thieves and arrested two persons on Sunday July 21 in Bonny, Rivers State.
It said the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY, engaged a group of suspected crude oil thieves in a fire-fight at Elem-Akrakama, and Elem-Tombia general area of Rivers State.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adams Aliu, on sighting the team, the suspects who were armed onboard two speedboats diverted and fled into their camp with the Nigerian Navy personnel in pursuit.
“The Nigerian Navy team deployed drone surveillance for situational awareness and effective fires forcing the suspects to retreat into the surrounding creeks,” it said, adding, “The operation resulted in a decisive victory as the criminals’ camp and boats were successfully destroyed. Additionally, one suspect was neutralised while two suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”
It noted that items recovered from the suspects include two outboard engines (200 and 140 Horse Power) and two Motorola walkie-talkie radios amongst others.
Recall that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla launched Operation DELTA SANITY in January 2024 to combat Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta Region.
The operation involves the deployment of more personnel, platforms, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations.
The remarkable successes of the operation led to its extension in April 2024 and another extension in July 2024.
Between April-July 2024, 24 suspects and six vessels have been arrested, while 122 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated and 57 wooden boats destroyed.
The successful operation by Quick Response Team of Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY is one of the many effective interdiction operations conducted by Nigerian Navy units in Niger Delta Region.
The statement warned nefarious elements involved in Crude Oil Theft and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime space to desist from such acts as the Nigerian Navy will stop at nothing to restore sanity and order in the Niger Delta Region.