- Nigerian Navy parades 11 suspects and materials for illegal refinery construction, intercepted during a routine patrol in Krakrama Creeks
- The suspects, apprehended in Rivers State, had 10 metal plates, 14 angle iron, and 20 gas cylinders for illegal refineries
The Nigerian Navy, on Monday, presented 11 apprehended suspects along with materials believed to be used in illegal refinery construction. The suspects were paraded at Billie in Degema local government area of Rivers State and subsequently handed over to the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Navy Commodore Desmond Igbo, represented by the Base Operation Officer, Commander Sa’id Mohammed Kabir, reported that the Base Tactical Response and Assault Squadron intercepted a boat with 11 crew members during a routine patrol on January 24, 2023, around Krakrama Creeks.
The crew members were found in possession of 10 metal plates, 14 angle iron, and 20 gas cylinders suspected to be items utilized in the construction of illegal refineries. These items were concealed in a wooden boat en route to a construction site where the suspects intended to use them for the establishment of illegal refinery sites in the creeks.
Further investigation revealed that the arrested suspects were workers contracted for the construction of the illegal refining site. They claimed to be contracted by an individual identified as Mr. John. The Navy is currently making efforts to apprehend Mr. John and other individuals involved in the illicit activity.
Upon receiving the suspects, Deputy Superintendent Lawan Monday, the NSCDC intelligence and investigative officer, stated that the suspects would face prosecution if found guilty after investigations.