By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Navy says it has uncovered a storage facility for illegal oil bunkering, rescued four fishermen and seized 56 bags of cannabis, within the nation’s maritime domain.
The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Adams-Aliu said that the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, uncovered an illegal oil bunkering facility at Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers on Monday.
He said that the team, working under the Operation Delta Sanity, uncovered the facility which was being used by crude oil thieves to refine products.
“The team swiftly cordoned the area and apprehended two suspects involved in the illegal activities.
“About 68,000 litres of illegally refined diesel was stored in various containers, sacks, drums and tanks within the facility.
“Pumping machines, hoses, and outboard engines were found within the illegal refining facility,” he said.
The navy spokesman said that investigations were on-going to ascertain the owners of the facility and their collaborators.
He further said that personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry, had rescued four drowning fishermen about 10 nautical miles from Lagos Fair Way Bouy.
Adams-Aliu said that the fishermen, all Ghanaians, were fishing within the area when their boat capsized at about 9.40p.m due to the roughness of sea.
He said that in another development, the Quick Response Team of NNS BEECROFT, had intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 56 bags of ‘hemp’ at MOBA Beach, Badagry.
The naval spokesman said that the team was already trailing the suspects, and assured that they would soon be apprehended.
Adams-Aliu said that the navy under the watch of Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, was poised to keeping the nation’s waterways safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.
He urged criminals and economic saboteurs to stay away from the nation’s territorial waters.(NAN)
