The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, represented by the Executive Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Captain Solomon Paul, while parading the two suspected pipeline vandals, told journalists that the duo was nabbed in the Delta Creek on Sunday at 2.35 pm by the naval patrol team in conjunction with the staff of a private surveillance firm, Ocean Marine Solution when the operatives discovered a vandalised and leaking pipeline.
According to the Navy, on further enquiry, the patrol team noticed an illegal connection on the pipeline.
Consequently, the team searched the surrounding area and eventually intercepted three persons in a canoe about 20 metres away from the vandalised pipeline.
The PUNCH gathered that on sighting the operatives, the three persons attempted to escape but two of them were apprehended while the third escaped.
The arrested duo were conveyed to the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta for interrogation.
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.”
