Navy Arrests Three Suspects for Oil Theft in Imo State

On a routine patrol last Friday, operatives of the Nigerian Navy Oguta, in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Army's 342 Artillery Brigade, arrested three suspected oil thieves in Imo State. The suspects, Okolo Somtochukwu (30 years), Chimezie Emeodi (39 years), and Uche Onyedikachi (25 years), were apprehended while operating a tipper truck with registration BLF 217 XA and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration EHM 36 XA.

These vehicles were transporting approximately 8,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products believed to be sourced from illegal refineries. The driver and occupant of the Toyota Hiace bus managed to escape into the bush, prompting a manhunt by naval operatives.

Commodore Sabo Tanko Lengaya, Commander of Naval Base Oguta, commended the operation as a significant success in combating crude oil theft and economic sabotage, aligning with the Nigerian Navy’s objectives for internal security in Imo State.