– Seizes 29.3million litres of crude oil
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Navy says it has shut down over 241 illegal refineries and arrested 23 vessels involved in illegal oil bunkering activities between February and December 2022 within the Eastern Naval Command.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, disclosed that the Navy has also seized 29.3million litres of crude oil, 34.8million litres of AGO and 4.5million litres of kerosene, within the period under review.
Dewu said since he assumed office on 4th February 2022, he has successfully undertaken the Chief of Naval Staff’s directives in the areas of operations, fleet renewal and infrastructural development.
Speaking at the 2022 Dinner and Award Night held at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, the Eastern Naval boss said 1,563 bags of smuggled rice and other contrabands were also seized by the Command.
He added that the Command successfully participated in two sea exercises, Exercise Obangame and Exercise Edi Diana, with two capital ships and other offshore patrol boats, as well as hosted 2022 Navy Week, which had in attendance the Naval heads from Gulf of Guinea States as well as South American and European Navies.
“The Command was able to shut down more than 241 illegal refineries, destroyed over 361 wooden boats, arrested 23 vessels involved in illegalities. Our effort led to the destruction of over 387 metal ovens, covered over 198 dugout pits and arrested and arrested 190 suspects involved in various forms of economic sabotage.
“The command within this period seized and destroyed about twenty-nine million, three hundred thousand litres of crude oil, thirty-four million, eight hundred thousand litres of AGO and four million five hundred thousand litres of DPK. Also, the command seized more than one thousand five hundred and sixty-three 50Kg bags of foreign smuggled rice and several other contrabands.
“The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Auwwal Zubair Gambo through the Command, launched Operation Dakata Barawo to counter the increasing spate of crude oil theft that threatened to cripple the nation’s economy. Throughout this operation, the command recorded massive achievement in the war against oil theft and the arrest of several vessels.
“The high point of the commands crude oil theft operation was the successful detention and repatriation of MT Heroic Idun, a super tanker that attempted to illegally lift about 3million litres of crude oil without authorization. It will be recalled that this super tanker was accosted by NNS Gongola, and she resisted arrest and sailed into Equatorial Guinean waters in an attempt to evade arrest.
“However, the command was able to activate all necessary diplomatic and legal procedures through to repatriate the vessel. The vessel has since been sailed back to the command and it is presently in our custody. It is also important to mention that the command is actively involved in Operation Akpakwu, Operatoon Sting, Operation Spark and Operation Delta Safe.”
The Eastern Naval Command boss also commended officers and men of the Nigerian navy for their uncommon commitment in making the year 2022 a success, while also thanking other sister services and agencies for their collaboration to ensure its operational objectives.
“The command also recorded remarkable successes on the areas of infrastructural development and fleet renewal. To this end, the command undertook the remodeling of the Headquarters Eastern Naval Command swimming pool, officers lounge, construction of Eastern Naval Command mini nart, restaurant and the remodeling of the headquarters conference room.
“These projects have since been commissioned by the CNS. The command further undertook the construction of a gym and corner shops at 1006 officers’ quarters, this will help to improve the living condition in the quarters.
“The unit under command within the period under review embarked on several projects ranging from contribution of sickbays, mosques, hostel, slipway, motor and boat maintenance yard and science laboratory at NOWA Secondary School Calabar.”
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