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 conducted by personnel of the Naval Base Oguta and soldiers of the 342 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
During the operation, the security personnel intercepted a tipper truck with registration number BLF 217 XA and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EHM 36 XA, Imo.
The vehicles were allegedly being used to transport bags containing approximately 8,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products, suspected to have originated from illegal refineries.
The three suspects arrested in connection with the operation were identified as Okolo Somtochukwu, 30; Chimezie Emeodi, 39; and Uche Onyedikachi, 25, all from Imo State.
According to the report, the three suspects were operating the tipper truck when they were intercepted.
However, the driver and an occupant of the Toyota Hiace bus reportedly escaped into the bush during the operation.
The Nigerian Navy has since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
Navy Commander Speaks
The Commander of Naval Base Oguta, Commodore Sabo Tanko Lengaya, commended the personnel involved in the operation.
He said the operation was part of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to strengthen internal security and prevent criminal elements from operating freely in Imo State.
Lengaya described the interception as a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage targeting critical national assets.
He said the recovery of the suspected illegally refined petroleum products had prevented the criminal network from furthering its activities.
The naval commander added that information obtained from the operation would provide valuable intelligence for subsequent operations aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the suspected network.
The arrested suspects, vehicles and recovered products are expected to remain in the custody of the authorities as investigations continue
