The Nigerian Navy has handed over four suspected crude oil thieves and a large quantity of suspected illegally refined petroleum products to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following their arrest in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State.
The Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, Captain Andy Alemongwa, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Igbokoda.
Alemongwa said the suspects were arrested during an anti-crude oil theft patrol carried out by personnel of the base on September 3, 2026, following credible intelligence.
According to him, the operation, conducted at about 8pm on September 3 and concluded in the early hours of September 4 at Obe-Akingboye in Ilaje LGA, led to the arrest of four suspects allegedly involved in illegal crude oil activities. Items recovered during the operation included 100 jerry cans of 30 litres each, one 1,000-litre storage tank containing suspected illegally refined petroleum products, and several items believed to be tools used for siphoning crude oil.
Alemongwa added that while returning from the operation, the patrol team intercepted a boat operator illegally conveying petroleum products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit.
The intercepted boat was found carrying 29 jerry cans of 50 litres each and nine jerry cans of 30 litres each loaded with suspected PMS.
He noted that none of the suspects could produce documents authorising them to store or transport the petroleum products or provide proof that the products were lawfully obtained in accordance with existing regulations.
The Navy commander said the suspects and the recovered products were taken to FOB Igbokoda before being handed over to the NSCDC for investigation and possible prosecution, in line with the agency’s statutory mandate.
The Naval Captain described the operation as a demonstration of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.