Navy Arrest MV Star Shrimper; Destroys More Illegal Refineries.
In continuation of its crackdown on the activities of illegal crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals, the Nigerian Navy has arrested a marine vessel (MV) Star Shrimper for trying to evade interrogation about the contents it was carrying as well as the destination it was headed.
A statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe noted that the vessel and its crew are being investigated adding, “The vessel was alleged to have tried to evade interrogation when intercepted by the Nigerian Navy Vessel, with an unclear reason for its action”.
Disclosing that the vessel was arrested by the Nigerian Navy Ship Nwamba on 13 August 2016, at about 1000 hours, Ezekobe reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to eliminate all forms of economic sabotage and criminal activities in the maritime areas.
Furthermore, the Navy said on 10 August 2016, a patrol team deployed by NNS Jubilee raided an illegal refinery site at Ikoh Imoh Community in Akwa-Ibom State.
“During the operation, the patrol team destroyed a Cotonou boat laden with suspected stolen crude oil, 103 drums of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 2 motorcycles.
“Similarly, on 12 August 16 at about 0630 hours, a patrol team deployed by NNS Delta raided several illegal refinery sites along Jones Creek in Delta State.
“During the raid, the patrol team destroyed un-quantifiable amount of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.”
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