The Nigerian Navy in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State has arrested nine men for alleged oil bunkering.
The suspects: Doughe Kelly, Godspardon Favour, Omorh Paul, John Okporo, Ben Okpor, Coker Felix, Sabbath Enezigha, Ken Ose and Adeoye Billy, were reportedly arrested on Wednesday with explosive devices which they used to blow up oil installations in the creeks of Warri.
Confirming the arrest on Friday, the Naval Base Operation Officer, Commander Shehu Taisu, told newsmen that on searching their boat, officers and men of the navy base found detonating cords, explosive powder, cutlasses, batteries and bale of red and white materials, adding that the suspects upon interrogation, claimed they knew nothing about the boat.
He said, “We have arrested several suspected oil thieves and handed them over to the police.
“They were arrested by our patrol team at a location in Warri South West Council Area.
“Our patrol team sighted them at a beach and their behaviour was suspicious. Consequently, our men moved towards them and as they saw our men, they took off initially but our men pinned them down.
Taisu recalled that in the last three weeks, over 23 suspected oil thieves had been arrested by navy officers and handed over to the police in Warri for further prosecution.
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