From Our Correspondent
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said the Nigerian Navy (NN) has destroyed 703 illegal refineries and confiscated 23 vessels in its operations from January to date.
Ogalla announced this during during meeting with Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding and Base Commanders, on Friday in Abuja.
CNS added that the service also apprehended 232 suspected oil thieves.
According to him, the Navy intercepted 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude, five barges, 116-speed boats and 82 vehicles.
“I am delighted to report that between January and December 2023, the Nigerian Navy destroyed 703 illegal refining sites and arrested five barges, 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude, 116 speed boats as well as 232 suspects engaged in Crude Oil Theft (COT).
“During the period, 82 vehicles/trucks and 23 vessels were also arrested,” CNS said.
Ogalla said the Nigerian Navy seized 803,353.20 barrels of crude worth more than N1.5 billion from economic saboteurs.
He said the navy under his watch, has maintained zero tolerance for oil thieves.
He vowed to deal with any officer or rating found colluding with criminal elements.
“Any officer or rating, caught in this unwholesome act will face punishment to the full extent of the law.”
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According to him, petroleum products confiscated included 803,353.2 barrel of crude oil, 46.3 million litres of AGO, 2.4 million litres of kerosene and 438,886 litres of petrol.
He said the seizures could translate to about N105 billion at current market values.
Ogalla attributed the operational successes to deliberate strategic policy formulation, operational implementation and tactical execution of NN.
He, however, cautioned Naval personnel to refrain from engaging in complacency.
According to him, the criminals always change tactics and ruthless, seek new routes and employ new technologies.
“We must stay ahead of the curve, to anticipate their moves, and to counter them with greater resolve.
“I, therefore, charge commanders to anticipate criminal activities and disrupt their operations before they can even begin.
The Naval chief, however, tasked commanders to foster seamless collaboration with sister services and recognised private surveillance companies, to ensure a unified front against crude oil theft.
He assured that the navy remained committed to sustaining and collaborating with all stakeholders in fighting COT and other forms of maritime crimes.
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