The Nigerian Navy has handed over 11 suspects arrested on a vessel apparently used to steal crude to the Inspector general of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase.
The NNS Delta on November 14, 2015 arrested MT Camille, carrying about 4,000 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude on the Forcados waters.
The Commander of NNS Delta in Warri, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, while handing over the suspects to representatives of the IGP, said the Nigerian Navy would not relent in the battle against oil theft.
Commodore Mohammed, who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Commander Shehu Tasiu, urged the police to prosecute oil thieves to serve as deterrent.
“I am directed to hand over 11 crew members of the vessel to the inspector general of Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Navy request that the suspects be properly profiled for future reference and that you furnish the Naval Headquarters with the outcome of your investigation. I wish to restate the Navy’s commitment to assisting the Police in curbing crime”, he said.
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the IGP, the leader of a Special Investigation Panel (SIP), Assistant Commissioner of Police Shawulu E. Dan-Mamman, said the police would ensure that a thorough investigation was carried out and those found wanting would face the law.
Dan-Mamman said the Police would partner other security agencies to eradicate crime and criminality in the country.
“As you are aware, I want to assure you that the police will partner other security agencies in the war againt oil theft. We shall get to the root of this matter and appropriate action taken against the suspects”.
