Three suspects have been taken into custody, according to the Nigerian Navy. Among them is a person who claimed to be a naval officer and was caught forging documents in order to support illicit oil bunkering operations in Rivers State.
This was revealed by Commodore Desmond Igbo, the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, as he paraded the suspects in front of reporters on Monday before turning them over to the Port Harcourt police.
When the suspects were apprehended on November 8, 2023, by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny Island, Commodore Igbo stated that they were facilitating a fictitious oil approval for a vessel known as the MV Mother Gabrini.
Igbo claims that the crew presented a fictitious NNS Pathfinder oil approval, and the Base acted quickly upon learning of its presence.
As per Igbo, the crew allegedly produced a fraudulent NNS Pathfinder oil approval, and the Base promptly took action to detain the individuals responsible for the unlawful deed.
After a one-week long, intelligence-led operation, he revealed, the suspects were tracked down and apprehended in various places.
Reportedly, two camouflage uniforms and other military equipment were found in the house of one of the arrested suspects, who was an imposter who used his false identity as a naval personnel to provide illegal security and escort services for events in Rivers State.
“NNS Pathfinder has sustained its efforts at curbing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering,” said Commodore Igbo, in response to a strategic directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff.
As per Igbo, the crew allegedly produced a fraudulent NNS Pathfinder oil approval, and the Base promptly took action to detain the individuals responsible for the unlawful deed.
After a one-week long, intelligence-led operation, he revealed, the suspects were tracked down and apprehended in various places.
Reportedly, two camouflage uniforms and other military equipment were found in the house of one of the arrested suspects, who was an imposter who used his false identity as a naval personnel to provide illegal security and escort services for events in Rivers State.
“NNS Pathfinder has sustained its efforts at curbing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering,” said Commodore Igbo, in response to a strategic directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff.
It is important to note that Mr. Williams Nweale, one of the suspects, is a fraudster. In order to provide illicit escort and security for events in Rivers State, he poses as a member of the naval. Items related to military uniforms, including two camouflage outfits, were found inside his home.
Igbo says the Base will do everything in its power to make sure that oil thieves and other lawbreakers in the State are apprehended and brought to justice, and he warns them to change their ways.
Additionally, he counseled locals to keep helping the Base by supplying insightful information about illegal activity occurring nearby.
Speaking after receiving the suspects, the Divisional Police Officer of Rumuelumini Division, CSP Olufunke Opayemi, assured that he will continue the investigation, saying upon conclusion the suspects will be charged in court.
