The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has revealed that the Nigerian Navy between January and December 2023, destroyed 703 illegal refining sites and arrested 23 sea-going vessels in furtherance of its fight against crude oil theft in the country.
Nigeriacrime.com also gathered that Navy also arrested 5 barges, 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude, and 116 speed boats while 232 suspects engaged in crude oil theft were nabbed
Vice Admiral Ogalla who made this known at a meeting with Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding and Operational Commanders at Naval headquarters, added the NN recovered 803, 353.20 bbls of crude oil amounting to about N105billion at current market value.
During the period, 82 vehicles and trucks were also arrested.
He said, “Among the vessels arrested were MT Marine Express, MT Cecilia, MT Ufuoma MT Vigor I, MV Barge Ayeba Eneni, FT Lamul and MT Vinnalaris I Lagos among others.
“Arising from these, 46, 369, 219 litres of AGO, 2, 472, 200 ltrs of DPK and 438, 886 ltrs of PMS were recovered.
“Similarly, the NN recovered 803, 353.20 bbls of crude oil. At current market values, the seizures made translate to about One Hundred and Five Billion Naira.
Continuing the CNS said, “The NN has been active in the fight against illicit-drugs trafficking especially within the maritime domain.
“Between April and November 2023, the NN arrested 692 bags of Cannabis Sativa, worth about One Billion, Three Hundred and Eighty-Four Thousand Naira.
“The products have since been handed over to the NDLEA as required by law.
“These are not isolated successes, they are achievements recorded as a result of deliberate strategic policy formulation, operational implementation and tactical execution.
“However, let us not be lulled into complacency. The criminals we combat are adaptable and ruthless. They will change their tactics, 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.
“This is why I charge you all to, with renewed vigour, utilize all available resources to anticipate criminal activity and disrupt their operations before they can even begin.
“Saturate the waters with credible presence. Let every illegal vessel know that they will be hunted down, intercepted, and brought to justice”.
“Also, you must foster seamless collaboration with sister Services, relevant government agencies as well as duly recognised private surveillance companies, to ensure a unified front against crude oil theft.
“The NN remains committed to sustaining and collaborating with all stakeholders in the fight against COT and other forms of maritime crimes.
“Most importantly, you must remember that the NN is and remains the guardian of our blue frontier, the defender of our wealth, and the shield that protects the nation’s future.
“Accordingly, you are to uphold the highest ethical standards and never compromise your integrity.
The CNS cautioned that “under my watch, there is zero tolerance for Crude Oil Theft. Any officer or rating that is found to be involved in this unwholesome act will be punished to the full extent of the law.
Reiterating that he stands with officers and men in the fight, the CNS said, “I am committed to providing the resources and leadership needed to defeat COT.
He saluted the unflinching support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has readily provided the resources and moral support needed by the NN to prevail.