Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship-Delta Gunboat Team have intercepted and arrested a barge and two trucks loaded with suspected stolen crude oil at the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority Jetty in Warri, Delta State.
Commodore Abba Muhsin, Commander of NNS-Delta, handed over the seized barge named ‘Barge Oghenekome’ and the two trucks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Warri on Tuesday.
The arrests, which were executed on Thursday, November 7, 2024, followed credible intelligence, according to Commodore Muhsin, represented by the Executive Officer, NNS-Delta, Commander Ayi Ekpo Archibong.
The EFCC team, led by Superintendent Abdullahi Nuhu from the EFCC Benin Zone Directorate, received the exhibits on behalf of the anti-graft agency.
Muhsin described the operation as part of a series of actions under Operation Delta Sanity of the Nigerian Navy and Operation Delta Safe of the Defence Headquarters.
He stated, “These arrests underscore our commitment to eliminating illegal oil theft and related criminal activities from our operational areas.
“NNS-Delta remains resolute in its coast guard functions to support nation-building, and we are grateful for the collaboration from all government agencies and the good people of Delta State whose contributions have been instrumental to our efforts.”
He issued a stern warning to those involved in crude oil-related illegalities, urging them to cease such activities and embrace a new path.
