Operatives of the Nigerian Navy, Oguta, have arrested three suspected oil thieves and impounded two vehicles allegedly used to transport illegally refined petroleum products in Imo State.
The suspects were arrested last Friday along the Ejemekuru-Obudi-Agwa Road during a joint patrol involving personnel of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army’s 342 Artillery Brigade.
According to reports, the security operatives intercepted a tipper truck with registration number BLF 217 XA and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EHM 36 XA, Imo, which were allegedly being used to convey bags containing about 8,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products.
The products were suspected to have originated from illegal refineries.
Three suspects identified as Okolo Somtochukwu, 30; Chimezie Emeodi, 39; and Uche Onyedikachi, 25, all from Imo State, were arrested in connection with the operation.
However, the driver and an occupant of the Toyota Hiace bus reportedly escaped into the bush during the interception.
The Nigerian Navy said a manhunt had been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commenting on the operation, the Commander, Naval Base Oguta, Commodore Sabo Tanko Lengaya, commended the personnel involved in the operation.
Lengaya said the interception was in line with the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to strengthen internal security and deny criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility.
He described the operation as a significant success in the fight against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage targeting critical national assets.
According to him, the recovery of the suspected illegally refined petroleum products would not only disrupt the activities of the criminal network but also provide intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking down other members of the syndicate.
The suspects and recovered vehicles have reportedly been taken into custody for further investigation, while efforts continue to apprehend those who escaped.
