Highlight

Navy busts 11 people for attempting to construct illegal refinery in Rivers

707

The war against crude oil theft hit a new gear as the Nigerian Navy arrested 11 people for allegedly attempting to construct a refinery at Billie in the Degema local government area of Rivers State.

According to Commander Sa’id Kabir, base operations officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, the officers intercepted a boat with 11 crew members while on routine patrol with the ‘Base Tactical Response and Assault Squadron’.

He said the bursted crew members were laden with 10 metal plates, 14 angle iron, and 20 gas cylinders suspected to be items used in illegal refinery construction.

Handing over the suspects to the officials of the NSCDC, Kabir said the items were carefully concealed in a wooden boat and were headed to a construction site where the suspected materials were to be used for the construction of illegal refinery sites in the creeks.

“The arrests were made in line with the strategic mandate of zero tolerance for crude oil and other petroleum product theft.

“NNS Pathfinder’s Tactical Response and Assault Squadron intercepted a boat with 11 persons on board during a patrol around Krakrama Creeks on January 23.

“Ten metal plates, 14 angle iron, and 20 gas cylinders were found carefully concealed in the wooden boat for the construction of an illegal refining facility in the creeks.

“Investigation revealed that the suspects were conveying the materials to Bille, a riverine community, with the intent to construct an illegal refinery.

“It was also discovered that the suspects specialise in the construction of illegal refineries and were contracted by one Mr. John. The base is making concerted efforts to arrest John and other suspects involved in this criminal enterprise.

“The base will not be deterred by the antics of enemies of the nation in the discharge of its constitutional duties.

“We assure the people of Rivers of our readiness to facilitate a peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of legitimate business activities,” Persecondnews quotes Kabir as saying.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

N1.3trn fraud: EFCC arrests, grills ex-Delta Gov. Okowa

A former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has been apprehended by the...

Equatorial Guinea government official embroiled in sextape scandal

Mr. Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)...

CAF ruling against Libya: Nigerian govt. promises to protect its citizens in Libya

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to...

Polaris Bank wins “Best Mobile App” award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

For its commitment to digital innovation and excellence, Polaris Bank has again...

Updated: After six years of injustice, Nigeria’s ex-Chief Justice, Onnoghen, finally gets justice

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday, overturned the conviction of...

Flood sacks 4 Anambra council areas as Soludo activates 27 IDP camps

By Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka Floods have devastated four local government areas in...

Four-month salary: NASU, SSANU secure irrevocable commitment from FG, suspend strike

After a six-day strike, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff...

Three radio stations in Abia destroyed by mysterious fire

A mysterious fire has hit three radio stations in Abia in Abia...

Seven new ministers for inauguration on Monday, Nov. 4

President Bola Tinubu will preside over the oath-taking of seven new ministers...

Youth shot dead for playing football near VIP’s house

A 70-year-old man, Mr. Stephen Irobunda, has escaped a mob action in...

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director Dimeji Ajibola is dead

Dimeji Ajibola, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker behind the popular series Shanty Town,...

Just in: UK Conservative Party elects former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch as new leader

Former British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has emerged as the new leader...

Demolition of Abuja N200bln properties: Restrain Wike, Estate Developers Beg Pres. Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to intervene in the alleged demolition...

FirstBank’s retired CEO, Adeduntan, gets presidential commendation

Impressed with his exemplary career trajectory and transformative leadership, President Bola Tinubu...

#EndBadGovernance protests: AGF to Police: Transfer casefiles of 72 defendants to my office

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince...

NAGAFF Taps NPA MD, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, as Keynote Speaker for Silver Jubilee Anniversary

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has announced Dr....

It’s fake news: Fubara did not order shut down of NNPC Ltd, oil companies in Rivers

The Rivers State Government has refuted a report circulating on social media,...

Tinubu to NEC: Allow tax reform bills pass through legislative process, public hearing

President Bola Tinubu has received the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the...

Minister Inspects Bagaja Renewables’ Zawaciki 1MWp Mini-Grid Amid Northern Power Crisis

As northern Nigeria grapples with prolonged power outages, Minister of Power Adelabu...

Just in: Court grants VeryDarkMan N2m bail

Reprieve has come for the detained social media critic, Martins Otse, popularly...