Nigerian Navy (NN) operations against crude oil theft in 2023 led to the arrest of 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 this, said all arrested suspects are in the custody of prosecuting agencies , and that the fight against crude oil theft is ongoing with renewed vigour in 2024.
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 said the Navy’s effort has been visible, leading to an increase in oil production in the last six months, as rightly reported by relevant authorities and the media.
Ayo-Vaughan said: “Suffice to state that the NN, in the discharge of her statutory responsibilities as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the nation’s maritime security.
“It is on record that the NN has always worked harmoniously with all maritime stakeholders nationally, regionally and internationally. The coming onboard of private maritime stakeholders for the protection of critical onshore economic assets in the sole interest of the nation’s economy is a known development, provided professionalism and standard operating procedures are upheld strictly.”
“It is complete fallacy to allege the contrary via sponsored ill-conceived and uncorroborated publications. Evidently, the NN, as the lead agency for the security of Nigeria’s maritime
environment, has been in the forefront of galvanising legitimate maritime interests.
“This is obvious with the various past and ongoing operations and exercises designed to curb maritime criminalities and particularly, oil theft.
“Some of these operations are: Dakatar Da Barawo, Calm Waters, Nchekwe Oshimili, and Exercise Sea Guardian.” He added: “The Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla will not be deterred by the malicious and misguided propaganda in the media.
“The sponsored campaigns of calumny will not deter the NN from carrying out her constitutionally enshrined roles in the interest of the national economy.
“Accordingly, members of the public are enjoined to jettison the highly unpatriotic publications.”