How we arrested oil thieves, by Naval chief
THE Commander Nigerian Naval Beecroft, Apapa, Commodore Chris Ezekobe has explained how pipeline oil thieves were caught with 126 jerry cans of oil and arrested at Majidun, Ikorodu.
The Nigerian Navy operatives in Lagos stormed the area unannounced and arrested pipeline vandals caught in the act of siphoning petroleum products at the weekend in Majidun area.
The vandals were said to have engaged naval personnel who came against them in a shoot-out.
The Guardian gathered that at the end of the shoot-out, five suspects, a nursing mother among them, were arrested.
Also recovered from the suspects were four boats used for their illicit business.
Parading the suspects before newsmen, Commodore Ezekobe said the thieves were among several others who had allegedly converted Majidun area into a safe haven for their criminal activities. The naval boss explained that the arrest was sequel to an intelligence report received that vandals were operating in the area following which a team of naval operatives mounted surveillance at the area.
“Yesterday morning, at about 2am, the naval men stormed the water front at Majidun area of Ikorodu. The vandals opened fire at the approaching security men. In the exchange of gunfire, some of the vandals abandoned their already siphoned products and fled,” Ezekobe said.
During the operation, Ezekobe said it was observed that the villagers were aiding and abetting the illicit business, saying that plans are ongoing to carry out a major raid in the area with a view to arresting all the hands involved in the destruction of national assets such as petroleum pipelines.
He further explained that the raid on vandals, which is ongoing, was in-line with the Chief of the Naval Staff zero tolerance to illegal bunkering, oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“However, it is saddening to note that after much effort is put at arresting these vandals, they are released the next moment. If there was casualty or the damage of equipment on our side during the operation, how does one explain the death to the deceased family or how will one explain damaged equipment to the authority. We put in so much only for someone to set them free,” he said.
However, the suspects denied the allegation, saying they were only at the scene for their daily bread.
Their claim, according to Ezekobe, would be determined at the end of preliminary investigation. He warned vandals to steer clear of the Command’s jurisdiction or face arrest.
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