The Nigerian Navy has recorded success in its ongoing fight against oil theft. In the year 2023, there were able to arrest 23 ships, over 233 suspects, and 690 wooden boats with stolen crude oil and products, while over 703 illegal refining sites were destroyed.
Also, tens of barges, 82 vehicles and tanker trucks were arrested, and crude oil and petroleum products amounting to over N105 billion were confiscated from oil thieves. Director of Information, Rear Admiral A.O. Ayo-Vaughan, who disclosed yesterday.
He said all the suspects are in custody and under prosecution. He assured the Navy’s readiness to continue the fight against oil theft in 2024. He said that the Navy’s effort is very visible, and it has led to improved oil production in the past six months.
The Nigerian Navy has been in the fore front if safeguarding maritime security, he said. “This is obvious with the various past and ongoing operations and exercises designed to curb maritime criminalities and particularly, oil theft.” He added.
“Some of these operations are: Dakatar Da Barawo, Calm Waters, Nchekwe Oshimili, and Exercise Sea Guardian.” He mentioned.
He, however, decried the campaign by some individuals and organisations against ongoing efforts of the Navy to eradicate crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the nation’s maritime domain.
According to him, the modus operandi of the campaigners includes sourcing the services of third-party agents and sectional egoists to discredit the reinvigorated stance of the NN in the fight against crude oil theft.
He urged members of the public to ignore any negative and unpatriotic publications. He added that the sponsored campaigns of calumny will not deter the Navy from carrying out her constitutionally enshrined roles in the interest of the national economy.
