The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has launched sea surveillance patrol boats in Rivers State to fight oil theft and sea piracy in Rivers State.
IPMAN also unveiled an operational base in the state to complement other surveillance operational bases across the country.
Speaking during the launching ceremony in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, the National Head, Waterways Surveillance, IPMAN, Emmanuel Olotu, said illegal oil bunkering, sea piracy and other related acts would no longer be tolerated in the riverine communities of the state.
He said, “There is a new order in town; all anomalies would be placed in serious checks. All levels of sea piracy and bunkering activities and petroleum theft will be placed in serious check.
“Let this message go forth into the nukes and crannies of riverine communities that there will be zero tolerance for all who engage in such illegalities.
READ ALSO: Shippers’ Council urge FG, stakeholders to adopt UNCTAD
“We have been given the mandate from the Federal Government, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also the National Executive Council of the Independent National Petroleum Association of Nigeria.
“We are hereby officially launching the operational base of Rivers State, prior to the other 250 operational bases in the country.”
Olotu added that the association was making concerted efforts in reorienting misguided youths in the riverine and hinterland communities who were involved in illegal oil bunkering and sea piracy.
