The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder reported that it had detained over 150 people in Rivers State who were reportedly engaged in illegal oil bunkering.
Commodore Suliaman Ibrahim, the base’s departing commander, said this yesterday while addressing with journalists at a send-off parade held aboard the NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt in his honor.
Ibrahim listed some of his accomplishments since taking office 16 months ago, including the seizure of over 100 Cotonou boats used for illicit bunkering and the destruction of clandestine oil refineries within the base’s operational zones.
He disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received the suspects’ arrests for further investigation and prosecution.
Ibrahim stated that Nigeria’s crude oil production has lately increased as a result of the state’s persistent efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
He said that several changes, such as daily training, swimming, range categorization, anti-attack drills, and the foundation of the Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron (TRAS), among others, were responsible for the accomplishments.
The outgoing NNS Pathfinder commander stated, “We detained about 150 people for illicit oil bunkering in addition to arresting hundreds of Cotonou vessels. We made a significant number of arrests, and the suspects were given to the proper agents for prosecution. We brought the detained suspects to EFCC.
“We went through various transformations to enable us meet contemporary changes. This changes include various physical training, swimming, range classifications and anti-attacks drills. Others were the creation of tactical riverine Squadron amongst others.
“It’s pertinent to state that this transformation did not come easy, however they were key to successes of the Nigerian Navy and in particular Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder in its fight against illegalities within the maritime domain of Rivers State.
“The base was instrumental to the increased on shore crude oil production with the effective support and escort provided during the crude barging operations.
“This of course would not have been possible without the collaboration between the navy and the oil companies.”
Ibrahim, also commended the sister agencies for their tactical collaboration in ensuring the safety of the waterways, especially in the base area of coverage.
“I must also recognise the synergy that the base enjoyed with other sister services and agencies. That has ensured the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in Rivers State. I thank all commanders and rates of services and sisters agencies for your continue support and collaboration.”