In Delta State, the Nigerian Navy held a public display of two suspected pipeline vandals who were apprehended at Asugbo Creek in the Warri South Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.
The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, was represented by Navy Captain Solomon Paul, the Executive Officer of NNS Delta. During the presentation of the two suspected pipeline vandals to the press, it was revealed that the duo had been captured in Delta Creek on Sunday at 2:35 p.m. by a naval patrol team working in collaboration with personnel from a private surveillance firm called Ocean Marine Solution. This joint operation was initiated after the discovery of a vandalized and leaking pipeline.
Further investigations conducted by the Navy indicated the presence of an unauthorized connection on the compromised pipeline. Consequently, the patrol team conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area and managed to intercept three individuals traveling in a canoe located approximately 20 meters away from the vandalized pipeline.
Upon spotting the naval operatives, the three individuals made an attempt to flee, but two of them were successfully apprehended, while the third managed to escape. Subsequently, the arrested pair was transported to the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta for further questioning and investigation.
The Navy said that “even though the two suspects claimed to be fishermen, no fishing gears were found with them and neither fishing nets nor hooks were observed within the immediate environment.”
The Navy stated further that the culprits “were unable to provide a convincing explanation as to the reason for their attempted escape and whereabouts of the third person who escaped.
“Hence, the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain those responsible for the illegal connection on the oil pipeline along Asugbo Creek on the stated date and time for appropriate legal action.”
The two suspects were thereafter handed over to the Divisional Officer, Warri South Division of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief Superintendent of Corps, Victor Igbinoba, “for further investigation and necessary prosecution.”
Meanwhile, the Commander, NNS Delta, has warned that all persons involved in crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities in the Delta creeks would not be treated with kid gloves.
Yahaya said, “The NNS Delta, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023 – 6, will not rest on its oars in ensuring that her area of operations is rid of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”
