The Nigerian Navy on Thursday said it has arrested 11 suspected crude oil thieves in Delta State.

In a statement by its Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, the Navy said the suspects were arrested during raids on illegal refineries around Jones, Sara and Oporoza Creeks of Warri South West Local Government Area.

He also said the Naval officers destroyed 23 boats containing stolen crude oil during the operation.

Two speed boats, six outboard engines, four pumping machines and a boat laden with 160,000 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil were also destroyed.

Ezekobe said the suspects will be handed over to appropriate agencies for prosecution.

Azeez