– Destroys 700 illegal refineries, nabs 232 suspected oil thieves
Mkpoikana Udoma
Ogalla noted that between January and December 2023, the Nigerian Navy apprehended five barges, 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude, 116 speedboats, as well as 232 suspects involved in illegal oil bunkering and refining activities.
The Naval Chief disclosed this while addressing operational commanders to evaluate the service’s operational activities in 2023.
He said, “During this period, 82 vehicles and 23 vessels were also seized, resulting in the recovery of over 800,000 barrels of crude oil and fuel estimated at N105 billion at current market prices.
“Among the vessels arrested were MT Marine Express, MT Cecelia, MT UFuoma, MT Vigor I, MV Barge Ayeba Eneni, MT Lamu I, and MT Vinnalaris Lagos, among others. This resulted in the recovery of 46,369,219 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,472,200 liters of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 438,886 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).”
The CNS highlighted the service’s efforts in combating drug trafficking, seizing 692 bags of cannabis worth N1.38 billion between April and November, which he noted were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Ogalla, however, warned against complacency among personnel, urging increased vigilance and collaboration with sister services, government agencies, and private surveillance companies.
“We must stay ahead of the curve, anticipate their moves, and counter them with greater resolve.
“I charge you all to utilize all available resources with renewed vigor to anticipate criminal activities and disrupt their operations before they begin. Let every illegal vessel know that they will be hunted down, intercepted, and brought to justice,” he emphasized.
The Naval boss highlighted the adaptability and ruthlessness of the criminals they combat and also encouraged open discussions and the sharing of experiences to craft a foolproof strategy against maritime crimes.
