Woman Arrested for illegal oil Dunkering - Others

THREE persons, including a woman were at the

week­end arrested by the Nigerian Navy, Warri for alleged ille­gal oil bunkering activities.

Besides, 320,000 metric tonnes of illegally refined crude oil were destroyed, just as five illegal refineries were also burnt down dur­ing a raid at various illegal fuel dumpsites in Warri South West Local Govern­ment Area of Delta State.

The team, led by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Apo­chi Suleiman also set ablaze engine boats and various equipment running into millions of naira.

No fewer than 12 barges, popularly known as Coto­nou boats and illegal re­fineries were destroyed at Jones Creek and Ekpenu in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the operation that last­ed for five hours, Admiral Suleiman maintained that the crusade against illegal oil bunkering would con­tinue until the perpetrators were brought to their knees.

“It is the mandate given to us by the Chief of Naval Staff to go all out against illegal oil bunkerers and we must attain this through the effort of all concerned, including the press, stake­holders and informants.”

“It is possible that we may not be able to eradi­cate the scourge complete­ly but we will try as much as possible to reduce it to the barest minimum,” re­marked the FOC, insisting that the canker worm must be crushed.

He explained that the suspects would be handed-over to the appropriate authorities after the Navy had concluded its investi­gations.