…Demonstrates fitness, resolve in anti-bunkering campaign
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Navy says it has intensified its anti-bunkering efforts, setting its sights on the goal of achieving a 100 percent reduction in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, says its commitment to eradicating oil theft in the Niger Delta region has resulted in a surge in Nigeria’s oil production, from 1.1 million bpd to 1.7 million barrels per day.
The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, said the Navy is building on its recent success, which has already seen a 90percent reduction in oil theft, which is a testament to the Navy’s unwavering resolve and its personnel’s unrelenting efforts.
Igbo, who spoke after the 2024 2nd Quarterly Route March of the Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt, assured that the Navy remains steadfast in its mission to protect the nation’s resources and maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
The route march covering over 12 kilometers, according to the Pathfinder boss, was aimed at maintaining peak physical fitness among personnel and reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to eradicating oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
He said: “We conducted the Nigerian Navy’s 2nd Quarterly Route March, covering a distance of over 12 kilometers. This exercise aims to maintain our physical fitness, enabling us to perform our duties efficiently. Our focus is on preventing oil theft in the Niger Delta region, in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s mandate.“To God be the glory, we have successfully reduced oil theft by 90 percent and we are committed to achieving 100 percent reduction. Our efforts have resulted in increased oil production, from 1.1 million barrels per day to over 1.7 million barrels per day.”Commodore Igbo also commended officers and men of NNS Pathfinder for their dedication and fitness, emphasizing the Navy’s zero-tolerance policy for compromise.
“I commend the men and officers of NNS Pathfinder for their dedication and fitness. I charge them to continue prioritizing their physical fitness to discharge their duties effectively.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for compromise, and our personnel are aware that any form of compromise will be dealt with decisively under my command. We have maintained the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” the Commander said.
The NNS Pathfinder’s strategy includes deploying its fleet of vessels and helicopters to patrol the nation’s waterways, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with other security agencies.
The Navy has also implemented a zero-tolerance policy for compromise, ensuring that any personnel found complicit in oil theft will face severe consequences.
