Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, have arrested four suspects in connection with alleged illegal dealings in refined petroleum products in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects: Kehinde Akinjinrin, Abiwo Ola, James Etajuwa and Shadrach Omoshola, were arrested at the Igbokoda seaside during an anti-crude oil theft operation by the Navy between September 3 and 4.
They were allegedly found with suspected illegally refined petroleum products and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being transported without the requisite authorisation.
The Navy handed over the suspects and the exhibits to the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at its Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda.
The NSCDC spokesman in Ondo, Daniel Aidamenbor, lauded the Navy for the operation and continued collaboration between the two security agencies.
‘The suspects were reportedly found in possession of suspected illegally refined petroleum products, as well as petroleum products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being conveyed without the requisite authorisation,’ he said.
Aidamenbor said the partnership was critical to protecting the nation’s economic assets and curbing the activities of vandals and other economic saboteurs.
He said the NSCDC, being statutorily empowered to investigate and prosecute such cases, would ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
‘As the agency empowered to investigate and prosecute matters of this nature, the command will ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated and that justice is served in accordance with the law,’ Aidamenbor added.
He added that the action would also serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar activities.
Aidamenbor, however, reaffirmed the command commitment to strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage in the state.