In its desperate determination to ensure that the illegal activities of crude oil thieves are thwarted, the Nigerian Navy has killed one oil thief, arrested two suspects who had engaged naval personnel in a gun duel while armed onboard two speedboats.
It was learnt that the incident took place on Sunday, 21st July 2024, when 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.
Disclosing this on Monday, 22nd July, 2024, the Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu explained that “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.
As a result, Naval personnel deployed drone surveillance for situational awareness and effective fires forcing the suspects to retreat into the surrounding creeks.
Following the deployment, the criminals were decapitated, while their camp and boats were successfully destroyed.
“Additionally, one suspect was neutralised while two suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation, Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu disclosed.
He further added that two outboard engines (200 and 140 Horse Power) and two Motorola walkie-talkie radios amongst others, were recovered from them.
It would be recalled 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.
Since the operation started early this year, it was gathered that the operation led to remarkable successes galvanizing to its extension in April 2024 and another extension in July 2024.
As a result, “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, Cdre Adams-Aliu reiterated.
He warned that every nefarious element involved in Crude Oil Theft and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime space should desist from such acts as the Nigerian Navy would stop at nothing to restore sanity and order in the Niger Delta Region.
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