The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, has arrested eight suspected oil thieves and seized 44,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.

The suspects and the seized exhibits have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Mutalib Ibikunle Raji, stated that the operation followed "critical and credible intelligence" regarding illegal bunkering activities in the Degema and Obologo areas of Rivers State.

Raji, represented by the Acting Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Justin Jerome, said the breakthrough occurred during a high-risk patrol on Sunday, March 22.

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He said: "While on patrol at about 0115 hours on March 22, the team accosted a boat being escorted by armed elements suspected to be affiliated with illegal groups. On sighting the naval patrol team, the criminal elements fled the scene."

Jerome noted that a subsequent search led to the discovery of 423 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO. "Each sack contains 106 litres, bringing the total to approximately 44,000 litres," he added.

He further explained that the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to combat crude oil theft and safeguard Nigeria's maritime environment.

Receiving the suspects on behalf of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, EFCC Superintendent Chioma Blessing Emereole stated that the commission would conduct a thorough investigation. "This will be investigated discreetly. If found culpable, the suspects will be prosecuted," she stated.

The leader of the eight suspects, identified as Sokari, claimed he was unaware of the illegal nature of the operation. "We were just loaders. I didn't know it was illegal bunkering until we got there," he said.