Nigerian Navy Parades Suspected Pipeline Vandals in Delta State
In an operation carried out on Wednesday, the Nigerian Navy in Delta State presented two individuals suspected of pipeline vandalism to the public.
These suspects had been detained at Asugbo Creek within the Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
Naval Patrol Collaborates with Surveillance Company to Catch Pipeline Vandals
Commodore Chindo Yahaya, the commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, and Navy Captain Solomon Paul, the ship’s executive officer, addressed the media during the presentation.
They revealed that the two suspects were apprehended on a Sunday at 2:35 pm in Delta Creek.
This operation was conducted in collaboration with a private surveillance company called Ocean Marine Solution.
The joint team made this discovery when they found a vandalized and leaking pipeline.
Unauthorized Connection Uncovered: Nigerian Navy Detains Suspects
Upon conducting a deeper investigation, the patrol team uncovered an unauthorized connection on the pipeline.
Subsequently, the team continued their search and found three individuals in a canoe approximately 20 meters away from the damaged pipeline.
Thorough Investigation Begins into Pipeline Vandalism in Delta Creek
Upon realizing that they had been spotted, three individuals in the canoe attempted to flee. However, two of them were apprehended while the third managed to escape.
The detained individuals were transported to the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta for questioning.
The Navy stated that, despite claiming to be fishermen, the suspects were found without any fishing gear, nets, or hooks in their possession or within their immediate environment.
Navy Hands Over Pipeline Vandals to Civil Defence for Further Investigation
The Navy emphasized that the two detainees failed to provide a convincing explanation for their attempted escape or the whereabouts of the third individual who had managed to flee.
Consequently, a thorough investigation is now underway to determine those responsible for the illegal connection on the oil pipeline along Asugbo Creek on the specified date and time. Legal action will be taken as deemed appropriate.
The two suspects were subsequently 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.
Warning Issued: No Leniency for Oil Theft in Delta Creeks
Meanwhile, Commander Chindo Yahaya of NNS Delta issued a stern warning. He declared that all individuals involved in crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities in the Delta creeks would not receive lenient treatment.
Yahaya emphasized the commitment of NNS Delta to eradicating oil theft and pipeline vandalism from its operational area, aligning with the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023 – 6.
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