By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Navy said it has nabbed 24 suspects for illegal bunkering within Lagos – Ondo coastal region.
The Navy also reiterated that it will continue to secure the maritime environment for law-abiding Nigerians, to go about their legitimate economic and commercial activities peacefully.
The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), of the Nigerian Navy, Igbokoda, Captain Shuaib Ahmed, gave the assurance while parading the 24 suspects for their alleged involvement in bunkering in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo state.
Ilaje, a coastal community in Ondo state, is one of the areas with cases of oil bunkering, sea piracy, and kidnapping in the Niger Delta region.
The Commanding Officer of the base, Captain Shuaib Ahmed, said that they will ensure continuous surveillance on the creeks and coastal areas to check criminal activities.
The Commanding Officer also said they seek meaningful information from the residents to assist them in curbing all forms of economic sabotage in the area.
While some of the suspects said their boats were hired by the bunkerers, others admitted that they were involved in the illegal business.