In an effort to combat oil-related illegal activities, the Nigerian Navy successfully unearthed and disassembled oil equipment used by a suspected oil syndicate in Elem Krakama Creek, Rivers State, situated at Oil Mining Lease-18.
The Navy’s official statement indicates that they successfully dismantled the equipment utilised for crude oil siphoning at Oil Well 17, a facility operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Commodore Suleman Ibrahim, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, reported that the Navy became aware of the illicit activities through its patrol helicopter on July 11, 2023.
The Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder’s Commander, Commodore Suleman Ibrahim, confirmed that the Navy spotted the illicit activities through its patrol helicopter on July 11, 2023.
Additionally, Commodore Suleman Ibrahim reported that the Navy made four arrests in connection with illegal oil bunkering during a different incident.
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While collaborating with the NNPCL, Commodore Suleman Ibrahim voiced his astonishment at the suspects’ exceptional skills demonstrated during the excavation.
Ibrahim made it clear that the scale and complexity of the oil theft were beyond the capabilities of amateurs, emphasising that the syndicate members were individuals with exceptional expertise.
Addressing newsmen, Ibrahim said, ‘We came here with members of the NNPC OML 18 Resources, they are the owners of the well.’
‘We came with our heavy equipment to make sure we dismantle the illegal structures that are being used to siphon crude illegally.’
‘A lot of pipes have been recovered from the wellhead and we have disconnected where they are being connected to.’
‘As an individual, what I have seen here is way beyond what I have seen elsewhere. The level of sophistication is beyond our imagination.’
‘The individuals involved had taken their time and done a lot of measurements and did welding on-site.’
Vowing justice, Ibrahim asserted that the cartel behind the illegal activity was on the radar, and he promised their arrest and subsequent prosecution.
The Commander of NHS Pathfinder confirmed that the technical team from NNPC OML18 had already been to the second location (Kala Ekweama) and carried out their assessment.
Taking the matter seriously, Ibrahim affirmed that work would begin soon at both locations to fix the areas that had been compromised.