The Nigerian Navy said it had arrested 21 suspects and seized two vessels at the waterway and creeks of Agbami Oil field and Obi Creeks in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa.
A statement on Tuesday signed by the Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command, Rear Adm. Sidi-Ali Hassan Usman, said the suspects were Nigerians.
The statement, released in Yenagoa, said the vessels lacked the necessary permits to lift crude oil.
“The two vessels were laden with 2.1million litres of crude oil at the time of arrest.
“The vessels were intercepted at separate points along the Ebi Creeks and Agbami Oil Field between Dec. 26, 2013 and Jan.14.
“They were unable to tender relevant documents such as Nigerian Port Authority bunkering permit and the NNPC nomination for crude oil lifting.
“And they lack the certificate of registration with the Joint Military Task Force. They did not have the Naval Headquarters approval for the movement of petroleum products within the command area of responsibility.
“The determination of the Nigerian Navy and the Central Naval Command to completely eradicate oil theft, illegal bunkering and other illegality in the Nigeria waters is total.”
The Navy also vowed to sustain the tempo of activities in the waterways and creek in the Niger Delta region.