By Francis Sadhere
The Nigerian Navy has vowed to stamp out illegal oil theft and oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region, just as it pledges to work with other security agents to stamp out all forms of vices in the Nigerian waterways.
The new Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Raimi Omuya Mohammed made this vow in Warri yesterday during a media chat with newsmen in Warri
Commodore Mohammed, who assured the people of Delta State that he is going to make the waterways uncomfortable for criminals, advised criminals whose stoke in trade is illegal oil bunkering, illegal refineries, piracy and kidnapping, to look for other legitimate businesses or they will have themselves to blame.
He said, My mission here is to work with other security agencies to stamp out all forms of criminality from this region. These vices are; illegal refineries, crude oil theft, kidnapping and other areas. I am here to ensure that the waterway is safe for doing businesses. We want to make it difficult for those involved in illegal activities in this part of the country.
He said his mission in the state is to ensure the safety and security of the citizens in the state, adding that he will not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anyone caught involved in criminal activities in the state.
He said he has come with the message of change and that it will no longer be business as usual as his men are going vigorously after the kingpins of illegal oil theft and bunkering. He said his men will do everything possible ensure that the waterways are safe for the citizens.
He said, We are going to go after the people that are sponsoring these illegal activities. This time around we are not only going to go after the foot soldiers but we will also go after the big criminals. So it is no longer going to be business as usual.
Commodore Mohammed therefore, called for co-operation between the media and the Nigerian Navy, saying that without the media, the Nigerian Navy will succeed in their quest to stamp out illegality from the waterways.
He also assured all investors in the state that their investments are going to be safe, and called for the cooperation of the public to always give his men useful information that will lead to the arrest of criminals in their areas.
I am advising all those doing businesses in our waterways to ensure that their businesses are genuine businesses. We will provide all the security the need with the help of other security agencies. But for those who are involved in illegal businesses, I advice them to stay clear. There is a change and that change is going to be felt very soon. And if you do not believe it, then you are on your one, Commodore Mohammed said.
