1, 000 drums containing diesel and petrol worth over N100m allegedly siphoned from pipelines and stored in two warehouses in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area have been destroyed by the Nigerian Navy in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Commanding Officer, Nigeria Navy Ship Victory, Commodore Kingdom Itoko, who led the operation, on Friday said the Bakassi environment had become notorious for illegal bunkering, sea piracy, armed robbery and other economic sabotage.
Itoko said it was sad that some people are engaged in economic sabotage, adding that having over 1,000 drums containing petrol and diesel illegally siphoned was inimical to the country’s economic development.
He added that the navy was ready to put to an end such illegal activities in compliance with the Chief of Defence Staff’s directive.
He regretted that some people were still indulging in bunkering despite the fact that Governor Liyel Imoke had on May 24, 2012, led a major operation that led to the arrest of some suspects and seizure of petroleum products.
“As the Commander of the naval base, NNS Victory, I am acting on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff that advised us to burn any illegal product discovered. Illegal bunkering in Nigeria is like piracy and other criminal activities,” he said.
