NNS PATHFINDER personnel arrest 8 vessels, 38 suspects in 6 months

Navy

By Henry Oladele

Rivers, June 19, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER has arrested eight vessels, 18 barges, 42 wooden boats and 38 suspects from January till date, its commander said on Wednesday.

The Commander NNS PATHFINDER, Commodore Sam Bora, spoke with journalists who came on an a media tour to see the operations of the navy in the Niger Delta.

He said that the security situation in the base’s Area of Operation (AOO) could best be assessed as unpredictable.

Bora attributed this to upsurge in agitation from various militant groups and conduct of some desperate politicians.

“These groups in their desperation to acquire power at all cost use dubious means including employment of thugs to threaten the peaceful political climate and security of lives and properties in the state.

“The fallout of this reprehensible conduct is the recent cases of reported killings and kidnappings perpetrated by cult groups and other criminals in the state.

“Notwithstanding, the base has restrategised and emplaced measures that would ensure the safety and security of lawful activities within its AOO.

“Operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime criminalities in the last six months has witnessed the deployment of an average of 10 gunboats and 18 private maritime logistics support company vessels for sustained patrols monthly.

“This led to the arrest of eight vessels, 18 barges, 42 wooden boats and 38 suspects within the period under review,” he said.

Bora also said that 70 illegal refinery sites with several storage tanks and dugout pits laden with over 4,300mt of suspected stolen crude oil as well as over 2,191mt of illegally refined AGO were destroyed.

“Additionally, 21 fibre boats, three trucks and tankers, 18 outboard engines, 16 generators, 12 welding machines and 36 pumping machines were recovered within the same period,” he said. (NAN)

HOB/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle