Nigerian Navy arrests 9 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom

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Nigerian Navy arrests 9 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has arrested no fewer than nine suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects were said to have been arrested at a wellhead located approximately 26 nautical miles offshore.

Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubakar Umar, said the arrest was part of the achievements of Operation Delta Sanity 2, launched by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on December 30, 2024.

Umar said Operation Delta Sanity 2 aims to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes in the Eastern flank of Nigeria’s territorial waters.

According to him, since its launch, the Navy has conducted a series of maritime and air patrols, as well as interdiction operations.

He warned oil thieves and other criminal elements to cease their activities, stating that the Navy was prepared to deal decisively with economic saboteurs.

The commander assured Nigerians that the suspects will undergo thorough investigations, and if found guilty, will face the full force of the law.