Oil theft: Navy arrests fake officer, two others in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy said its operatives have arrested three suspects, including an imposter who impersonated a naval officer for allegedly issuing forged documents to facilitate illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State.

The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen after which they were handed over to the police in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Commodore Igbo said the suspects were facilitating fake oil approval for a vessel ‘MV Mother Gabrini’ when they were intercepted on November 8, 2023, by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny Island.

According to Igbo, the crew presented a fake NNS Pathfinder oil approval, and upon discovery, the Base sprang into action to apprehend the persons involved in the illicit act.

He disclosed that the suspects were trailed and arrested in different locations after a one-week sustained intelligence-led operation.

He said amongst the arrested suspects was an imposter who impersonated naval personnel to conduct illegal escort and security in events within Rivers State, saying two camouflage uniforms and other military gear were recovered from his house.

Commodore Igbo stated, “In pursuance of the Chief of the Naval Staff strategic directive, NNS Pathfinder has sustained its efforts at curbing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

“The sustained effort of the Base has denied the criminal elements freedom of action. As a result, these criminal elements involved in this economic sabotage have resulted in a new tactic of issuing forged documents to facilitate illegal bunkering activities.

“These three suspects were arrested for facilitating a fake oil approval for MV Mother Gabrini. The vessel was arrested on 8th November, 20233 for suspected illegal bunkering activities by FOB Bonny.

“During the preliminary investigation, the crew presented a fake NNS Pathfinder oil approval. Accordingly, the Base sprang into action to apprehend the persons involved in forging the Base oil approval.”

Continuing, he said, “The suspects before were trailed and arrested in different locations after a one-week sustained intelligence-led operation.

“It is pertinent to state that one of the suspects, Mr Williams Nweale is also an impostor. He impersonates naval personnel to conduct illegal escort and security in events within Rivers State. Two Camouflage uniforms and other military uniform items were recovered from his house.”

Igbo warns oil thieves and other criminals within the State to change their ways, saying the Base will stop at nothing to ensure that they are arrested and prosecuted.

He also advised residents to continue to support the Base by providing useful information about criminal activities around them.

Speaking after receiving the suspects, the Divisional Police Officer of Rumuelumini Division, CSP Olufunke Opayemi, assured that he will continue the investigation, saying upon conclusion the suspects will be charged in court.