The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has said that the Nigerian Navy, between January and December 2023, destroyed 703 illegal refining sites and arrested 23 seagoing vessels in furtherance of its fight against crude oil theft in the country.
The Navy also arrested five barges, 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude oil, 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 that the Navy recovered 803,353.20 bbls of crude oil, amounting to about N105 billion at the 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 litres of DPK, and 438, 886 litres of PMS were recovered.
“Similarly, the NN recovered 803, 353.20 bbls of crude oil. At current market values, the seizures amounted to about one hundred and five billion naira.
Continuing, the CNS said, “The NN has been active in the fight against illicit drug 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, anticipate their moves, and counter them with greater resolve.
“This is why I charge you all to, with renewed vigour, utilise all available resources to anticipate criminal activity and disrupt their operations before they can even begin.
“Saturate the waters with a 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, and 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.
“With the support of Mr President, we are working tirelessly to equip you with the tools to dominate the maritime domain: faster boats, advanced surveillance technology, and robust intelligence networks.
“But resources alone are not the answer. The NN needs your unwavering commitment, strategic brilliance, and steadfast courage. You must also be accountable for the resources entrusted to you.
“Your ability to efficiently utilise the resources at your disposal to achieve the best results will single you out as a commander worthy of trust and emulation.
“Each of you holds within you the power to turn the tide. Let history remember that this era was the time when the NN, under your command, turned the tide against crude oil theft and other forms of maritime crimes, thereby securing a brighter future for our nation.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral JD Akpan, said, “As Year 2023 gradually comes to an end, the CNS considers it necessary that he meet with operational commanders to discuss the NN’s operational activities in 2023, especially our efforts in the fight against crude oil theft (COT).
“However, this meeting is not just about reviewing statistics and achievements; it is about introspection, dissecting the effectiveness of our strategies, and forging a path towards even greater successes in the year ahead.
“We stand at a critical juncture in our fight against COT and other maritime crimes. The far-reaching implications of the COT on our national survival demand a resolute response, and that response hinges on our ability to adapt, innovate, and refine our approach.”