The Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH (NNS) says it has arrested two persons and seized one tank truck over alleged crude oil theft in Bayelsa.

The commander, Commodore Sunday Lakan, disclosed this at NNS SOROH base on Thursday.

He said a Mazda vehicle loaded with 1,300 litres of illegally refined products was also arrested in the process.

Mr Lakan said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence from the public concerning the theft and transportation of stolen and illegally refined products in the area.

”Our personnel who were dispatched to the area apprehended this truck. On sighting us, the driver of the truck ran away but left the keys behind.

”So we were able to convey the truck to our base for further investigation and other necessary actions,” he said.

The commander further stated that while still on patrol, naval personnel arrested a Mazda 323 vehicle carrying 1,300 litres of illegally refined products.

”We arrested two suspects, a male and a female conveying the products. We shall ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and suspects handed over to appropriate authorities,” he said.

He expressed the commitment of the navy to rid the waterways of criminals, and urged those involved in illegal oil bunkering to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Mr Lakan urged members of the public to always support the navy with credible information that would enable it to tackle crude oil theft.

”The activities of oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and illegal refiners are inimical to the economy, we must work together to fight them,” he said.

Speaking to journalists, one of the suspects, Nelson Adeh, said he was a driver hired by the lady to convey the products to Mbiama.

He pleaded for forgiveness, and promised to never indulge in such illegal business again.

(NAN)