The Nigerian Navy Ship(NNS) Jubilee,
with operational base at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State has intercepted
diesel worth over N4.2 million in parts of the Niger Delta area. The
illegally refined products were loaded in a total of 143 drums and 725
polythene bags. The interceptions and arrest of culprits were done in
the last quarter of last year.
Briefing newsmen over the weekend at the operational base of NNS Jubilee Ikot Abasi, the Commander, Commodore David A. Adeniran said the Navy in the last four months curbed the criminality that had affected the maritime activities within Akwa Ibom and parts of Rivers State.
Giving accounts of his activities particularly between August 31 and December, Commodore Adeniran disclosed that the Navy stopped the illegal activities on the sea and assisted to a great extent on land.
He said the criminal activities of illegal crude oil refining and transportation took a new dimension as the criminals now package illegally refined diesel (AGO) in strong polythene bags to conceal the real content and transport the bags in cars and trucks.
While giving a breakdown of the interception within the period under review, the Navy boss said: “The criminal means of concealing the illegally refined petroleum products assumed a different dimension. They now conceal AGO in strong polythene bags with sizes ranging between 10 to 50 kg. They also use drums with capacity ranging between 200 and 300 litres.”
Expatiating, he said: “On September 1, we seized 75 drums of illegally refined AGO at Opobo waterside in Rivers State while on September 10, 80 polythene bags of AGO transported in a Nissan vehicle were seized and handed over to NSCDC.
“On September 15, 600 bags of illegally refined AGO transported in a truck was arrested. The products were packed like bags of rice. Looking at the products, you may think they were bags of rice but a close examination of the content and the smell, gave the criminals away. On September 25 at Okopedi Fishing town, we seized another 45 bags and 68 drums of AGO and two boats,” Commodore David stated.
The Navy boss said his team also demobilised and destroyed an escape vehicle used by criminals who had gone to rob a branch of the First Bank in Ikot Abasi on October 10.
Commodore Adeniran also warned those who are using the Military stickers and uniforms illegally to desist forthwith.
He said any unauthorised person caught will face the full weight of the law. “The use of military stickers and uniforms by unauthorised person is unacceptable,” he warned.
He advised Akwa Ibom people not to fall prey to criminal elements who are out to deceive that they can help them secure recruitment into the Nigerian Navy through some phony Facebook accounts. He said the procedure to join the Service is very clear.
He said the NNS Jubilee within the period under review, had put together a standard operational base with modern gadgets that helps them carry out their duties professionally and assured the states within the operational area of NNS Jubilee of their determination to rid the region of all criminal activities that have negative impact on the maritime activities of the people in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff.
Meanwhile, the people of Ibeno and other coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State have appreciated the Navy for solving a five year piracy problems for the fishing communities.
The Traditional Ruler and Council of Chiefs of Ibeno, Upenikang and other adjoining coastal communities in Ibeno and Ikot Abasi local government areas thanked the Navy for delivering them from the evil activities of sea pirates and other criminals.
The domain under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Owong (Dr.) Effiong B. Archtanga (JP), the Udammung 1 of Ibeno who also doubles as the Chairman Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs expressed his appreciation and that of the people to the Nigerian Navy last week when the Officers and men of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State and the Media went on a fact finding tour of parts of the area under their Command.
Nation
Briefing newsmen over the weekend at the operational base of NNS Jubilee Ikot Abasi, the Commander, Commodore David A. Adeniran said the Navy in the last four months curbed the criminality that had affected the maritime activities within Akwa Ibom and parts of Rivers State.
Giving accounts of his activities particularly between August 31 and December, Commodore Adeniran disclosed that the Navy stopped the illegal activities on the sea and assisted to a great extent on land.
He said the criminal activities of illegal crude oil refining and transportation took a new dimension as the criminals now package illegally refined diesel (AGO) in strong polythene bags to conceal the real content and transport the bags in cars and trucks.
While giving a breakdown of the interception within the period under review, the Navy boss said: “The criminal means of concealing the illegally refined petroleum products assumed a different dimension. They now conceal AGO in strong polythene bags with sizes ranging between 10 to 50 kg. They also use drums with capacity ranging between 200 and 300 litres.”
Expatiating, he said: “On September 1, we seized 75 drums of illegally refined AGO at Opobo waterside in Rivers State while on September 10, 80 polythene bags of AGO transported in a Nissan vehicle were seized and handed over to NSCDC.
“On September 15, 600 bags of illegally refined AGO transported in a truck was arrested. The products were packed like bags of rice. Looking at the products, you may think they were bags of rice but a close examination of the content and the smell, gave the criminals away. On September 25 at Okopedi Fishing town, we seized another 45 bags and 68 drums of AGO and two boats,” Commodore David stated.
The Navy boss said his team also demobilised and destroyed an escape vehicle used by criminals who had gone to rob a branch of the First Bank in Ikot Abasi on October 10.
Commodore Adeniran also warned those who are using the Military stickers and uniforms illegally to desist forthwith.
He said any unauthorised person caught will face the full weight of the law. “The use of military stickers and uniforms by unauthorised person is unacceptable,” he warned.
He advised Akwa Ibom people not to fall prey to criminal elements who are out to deceive that they can help them secure recruitment into the Nigerian Navy through some phony Facebook accounts. He said the procedure to join the Service is very clear.
He said the NNS Jubilee within the period under review, had put together a standard operational base with modern gadgets that helps them carry out their duties professionally and assured the states within the operational area of NNS Jubilee of their determination to rid the region of all criminal activities that have negative impact on the maritime activities of the people in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff.
Meanwhile, the people of Ibeno and other coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State have appreciated the Navy for solving a five year piracy problems for the fishing communities.
The Traditional Ruler and Council of Chiefs of Ibeno, Upenikang and other adjoining coastal communities in Ibeno and Ikot Abasi local government areas thanked the Navy for delivering them from the evil activities of sea pirates and other criminals.
The domain under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Owong (Dr.) Effiong B. Archtanga (JP), the Udammung 1 of Ibeno who also doubles as the Chairman Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs expressed his appreciation and that of the people to the Nigerian Navy last week when the Officers and men of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State and the Media went on a fact finding tour of parts of the area under their Command.
Nation
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