The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has handed over a barge and two trucks suspected to be laden with stolen crude oil to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The handover took place on Tuesday in Warri, with the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin, represented by Commander Ayi Archibong, the Executive Officer of NNS Delta, overseeing the event.
According to Commander Archibong, the barge, identified as Barge Oghenekome, and the trucks were intercepted last Thursday at the jetty of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Warri.
The arrest was carried out by the Gunboat Team of NNS Delta, acting on credible intelligence.
“The arrests are part of our ongoing efforts under Operation Delta Sanity of the Nigerian Navy and Operation Delta Safe of the Defence Headquarters,” said Archibong.
The Commander reaffirmed the NNS Delta’s commitment to combating illegal activities within its operational zones, particularly crude oil theft, which continues to undermine Nigeria’s economy.
In a stern warning to perpetrators, Archibong said, “If you do not change, we shall unleash our ruthless operations team on you and rid you out of the state.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the EFCC was Mr. Abdullahi Nuhu, a Superintendent and team leader from the EFCC Benin Zonal Directorate.
The NNS Delta also expressed gratitude to government agencies and local stakeholders for their support in tackling illegalities in the maritime domain.
This development comes amid renewed efforts by security agencies to curtail oil theft and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta, following increasing reports of sabotage and economic losses in the region.