The Nigerian Navy on Thursday announced “another landmark success in the fight against oil bunkering in the Niger Delta area in line with the Federal Government’s stance on zero tolerance for corruption and oil bunkering.”

Naval Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, said in a statement: “In 2 different successful operations, the Nigerian Navy personnel on patrol in NNS PATHFINDER accosted 2 Cotonou boats loaded with suspected illegally refined AGO at Onne anchorage.

“However, the boats were destroyed and no arrest was made as the suspect fled on sighting the Nigerian Navy men.

“In another operation criminal elements attempt to vandalise and siphon oil product from one of the arrested vessels was foiled by the Nigerian Navy personnel in FOB FORMOSO.

“The oil thieves however fled and abandoned the 3 Cotonou boats they brought for their criminal act. The boats are currently in the custody of FOB FORMOSO, while adequate security measure has been provided to prevent any unforeseen situation.

“Similarly a patrol team of NNS DELTA has recorded another operational success as 4 illegal refinery sites were destroyed with about 30 metric tones of illegally refined AGO and 3 Cotonou boats carrying about 40 metric tones of suspected stolen crude oil. Five suspects and 40HP outboard engine were also arrested, while two pumping machine recovered.

“In view of the importance of this operation in the economic prosperity of the nation, you are please requested to disseminate this information for the awareness of the general public.”

•Photo shows men of Nigerian Navy on patrol.

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