In a significant move against illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State, the Nigerian Navy announced the arrest of three suspects, including an imposter posing as a naval officer.
The imposter allegedly issued forged documents to facilitate illicit oil activities. The suspects were paraded before the media by Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, who subsequently handed them over to the police in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Commodore Igbo revealed that the arrests stemmed from an interception operation on November 8, 2023, when the suspects were attempting to secure fake oil approval for the vessel ‘MV Mother Gabrini.’
The crew presented a forged NNS Pathfinder oil approval, prompting swift action by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny Island.
During a press briefing, Commodore Igbo emphasized the Navy’s commitment to curbing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, highlighting the suspects’ new tactic of using forged documents.
He detailed the sustained intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of the suspects in different locations over a week.
One of the apprehended suspects, identified as Mr. Williams Nweale, was exposed as an imposter who impersonated naval personnel to conduct illegal escort and security in events within Rivers State. Two camouflage uniforms and other military gear were recovered from his residence.
Commodore Igbo issued a stern warning to oil thieves and other criminals, asserting that the Naval Base would spare no effort in arresting and prosecuting those involved in economic sabotage.
He urged residents to support the Naval Base by providing crucial information about criminal activities in their vicinity.
After receiving the suspects, CSP Olufunke Opayemi, the Divisional Police Officer of Rumuelumini Division, assured that the investigation would continue. Once concluded, the suspects would face charges in court, ensuring accountability for their involvement in illegal oil activities.
As the crackdown intensifies, the Nigerian Navy remains dedicated to maintaining maritime security and upholding the law in the fight against oil theft and related crimes in the region.
