It was learnt that the suspects were transporting unlawfully refined petroleum products in the state when they were rounded off.
An oil vessel, identified as MV Ofuoma along with its 10 crew members, has been arrested by the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) of the Nigerian military in Rivers State.
It was learnt that the suspects were transporting unlawfully refined petroleum products in the state when they were rounded off.
This was made known by Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, noting that MV Ofuoma was taken into custody on August 15th at the Abuloma jetty located in Port-Harcourt.
The Rear Admiral who was represented by Commander of OPDS, Commodore John Siyanbade, disclosed that the arrest was executed by the Nigerian Navy ship Pathfinder.
He explained that the vessel is being used as a storage facility for illegally refined oil products.
He said: “The vessel was receiving product suspected to be illegally refined AGO from a dug-out wooden boat alongside it.
“As it was intercepted by OPDS, about 20,000 litres of the product have already been transferred from the dugout boat to the vessel. Currently, we have about 35,000 litres still remaining on board, as you have seen.
“The operation was conducted by troops of the JTF Operation Delta Safe Headquarters.
“The suspects have given credible information about where they source the product from; an operation is going on to deactivate the illegal refining site in the area, and the operation will be for some time.
"OPDS would not relent in its efforts to eradicate crude oil theft and other forms of illegality in the region. Those involved should look for legitimate means of livelihood before they are caught," he added.