On Wednesday, the Nigerian Navy in Delta State paraded two suspected pipeline vandals who had been detained at Asugbo Creek in the state’s Warri South Local Government Area.
When presenting the two suspected pipeline vandals to the media, the commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, in the person of the ship’s executive officer, Navy Captain Solomon Paul, told reporters that the two were apprehended in the Delta Creek on Sunday at 2:35 pm by the naval patrol team in collaboration with the staff of a private surveillance company, Ocean Marine Solution, when the operatives discovered a vandalized and leaking pipeline.
Upon further investigation, the patrol team allegedly discovered an unauthorized connection on the pipeline, according to the Navy.
Following a thorough search of the area, the team finally discovered three people in a canoe about 20 meters away from the damaged pipeline.
The GISTLOVER learned that when the operatives were spotted, the three people made an attempt to flee; however, two of them were caught, and the third managed to get away.
The duo was taken to the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta for questioning.
The Navy said that “even though the two suspects claimed to be fishermen, no fishing gears were found with them and neither fishing nets nor hooks were observed within the immediate environment.”
The Navy stated further that the culprits “were unable to provide a convincing explanation as to the reason for their attempted escape and whereabouts of the third person who escaped.
“Hence, the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain those responsible for the illegal connection on the oil pipeline along Asugbo Creek on the stated date and time for appropriate legal action.”
“The two suspects were thereafter handed over to the Divisional Officer, Warri South Division of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief Superintendent of Corps, Victor Igbinoba, “for further investigation and necessary prosecution.”
Meanwhile, the Commander, NNS Delta, has warned that all persons involved in crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities in the Delta creeks would not be treated with kid gloves.
Yahaya said, “The NNS Delta, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023 – 6, will not rest on its oars in ensuring that her area of operations is rid of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”
