The Nigerian Navy has arrested 16 Ukrainians for their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities. The suspects were conveying about 5000 metric tons of crude oil when they were intercepted by naval personnel along the waterways of Rivers State.
Correspondent Uche Okoro reports that the patrol elements of the Forward Operation Base of the Navy situated in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State intercepted the vessel.
Upon interrogation, the crew of 12 Ukrainians was unable to produce the necessary documentation for the 5000 metric tonnes of crude oil on board the vessel.
The Navy has in the meantime resounded its warning to perpetrators of maritime crime to find a legal means of livelihood or face the full wrath of the law.
The foreign nationals, the arrested vessel as well as its content were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC by Navy authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Navy has also expressed confidence that further investigation would lead to the arrest of other individuals or companies who may be connected to this latest incident of illegal oil bunkering.
