The Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, has killed one suspected oil thief and arrested two others during a fire-fight at Elem-Akrakama, and Elem-Tombia general area of Rivers State.
Navy spokesman, Commodore Augustine Adams – Aliu, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday said the operation, which occured on Sunday, July 21 also resulted in the destruction of the thieves’ camp and boats.
He said, “On sighting the team, the suspects who were armed onboard 2 speedboats diverted and fled into their camp with the Nigerian Navy personnel in pursuit.
“The Nigerian Navy team deployed drone surveillance for situational awareness and effective fires forcing the suspects to retreat into the surrounding creeks.
“The operation resulted in a decisive victory as the criminals’ camp and boats were successfully destroyed.
“Additionally, one suspect was neutralised while 2 suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”
He said items recovered from the suspects include 2 outboard engines (200 and 140 Horse Power) and 2 Motorola walkie-talkie radios amongst others.
He recalled that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla launched Operation DELTA SANITY in January 2024 to combat Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta Region.
The operation involves the deployment of more personnel, platforms, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations.
He said the remarkable successes of the operation led to its extension in April 2024 and another extension in July 2024.
“Between April-July 2024, 24 suspects and 6 vessels have been arrested, while 122 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated and 57 wooden boats destroyed.
“The successful operation by Quick Response Team of Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY is one of the many effective interdiction operations conducted by Nigerian Navy units in Niger Delta Region, ” he said.
He warned those involved in crude oil theft and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime space to desist from such acts, stating that the Nigerian Navy will stop at nothing to restore sanity and order in the Niger Delta Region.
