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Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Oguta have arrested three suspected oil thieves and impounded two vehicles allegedly used for economic sabotage in Imo State.
The suspects and their vehicles were intercepted and arrested last Friday at Ejemekuru-Obudi-Agwa road in conjunction with the Nigerian Army personnel from 342 Artillery Brigade while on routine patrol.
THISDAY gathered that the combined security operatives, while on routine patrol intercepted a tipper truck with registration BLF 217 XA and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration EHM 36 XA Imo, transporting bags containing approximately 8500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products suspected to have been sources from illegal refineries.
Consequently, three suspects identified as Okolo Somtochukwu aged 30 years, Chimezie Emeodi aged 39 years and Uche Onyedikachi aged 25 years, all from Imo State, running the tipper truck, were apprehended.
It was further gathered that the driver and occupant of the Toyota Hiace bus however escaped into the bush while a manhunt has been launched to apprehend them by the naval operatives.
Commander, Naval Base Oguta, Commodore Sabo Tanko Lengaya, while commending the personnel, said the operation was consistent with the Nigerian Navy’s objectives for internal security aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action in Imo State.
“This operations represent a significant success in the ongoing efforts by Naval Base Oguta to combat crude oil theft and other acts of economic sabotage targeted at critical national assets in furtherance of the Nigerian Navy’s strategic mandate within its area of operations,” he said.
Commodore Lengaya noted that the timely interception of the suspects and recovery of the suspected illegally refined petroleum product has denied the criminal syndicate the opportunity to further their illegal activities and it is expected to provide valuable intelligence for follow-on operations against other members of the network.