Annual Report: Nigerian Navy Achieves Milestone In Curbing Oil Theft- CNS

 

Nigerian Navy has recorded significant strides in curbing oil theft in the country.

The Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla disclosed this during his meeting with Operational Commanders held at the new conference hall Naval Headquarters Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Commendably, in the last few months, individual and collective dedications have yielded tangible results.

The Naval Chief said “these are not isolated successes, they are achievements recorded as a result of deliberate strategic policy formulation, operational implementation and tactical execution.”

According to him, “between January and December 2023, the Nigerian Navy destroyed 703 illegal refining sites and arrested 5 barges, 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude, 116 speed boats as well as 232 suspects engaged in Crude Oil Theft, COT.”

During the period, 82 vehicles/trucks and 23 vessels were also arrested. Among the vessels arrested include MT MARINE EXPRESS, MT CECILIA, MT UFUOMA, MT VIGOR I, MV BARGE AYEBA ENENI, FT LAMU Iand MT VINNALARIS I LAGOS among others. Arising from these, 46, 369,219 ltrs of AGO, 2,472,200 ltrs of DPK and 438, 886 ltrs of PMS were recovered.

Similarly, the NN recovered 803, 353.20 bbls of crude oil. At current market values, the seizures made translate to about One Hundred and Five Billion Naira.

Additional the NN has been active in the fight against illicit-drugs 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.

Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasised that the criminals they combat are adaptable and ruthless as they will change their tactics, seek new routes and employ new technologies.

He said that it is their duty to stay ahead of the curve, to anticipate their moves, and to counter them with greater resolve.

“This is why I charge you all to, with renewed vigour, utilize all available resources to anticipate criminal activity and disrupt their operations before they can even begin. Saturate the waters with 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 as well as duly recognised private surveillance companies, to ensure a unified front against crude oil theft,” he said.

Vice Admiral Ogalla noted that the NN remained committed to sustaining and collaborating with all stakeholders in the fight against COT and other forms of maritime crimes.

Most importantly, they 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, commanders are to uphold the highest ethical standards and never compromise your integrity. Let me at this juncture caution that under my watch there is zero tolerance for COT.

“Any officer or rating that is found to be involved in this unwholesome act will be punished to the full extent of the law,” he said.

Vice Admiral Ogalla also reiterated that he stand with officers in this fight.

He commended the unflinching support of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has readily provided he resources and moral support needed by the NN to prevail.

He said; “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.”

A minutes silence was observed for the officers that lost their life in the cost of defending their father land.

Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan said “in the fight against Crude Oil Theft, the meeting is not just about reviewing statistics and achievements, it is about introspection, about dissecting the effectiveness of their 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 demands a resolute response, and that response hinges on our ability to adapt, innovate, and refine our approach,’’ he said.

Vice Admiral Ogalla therefore implore each and everyone of them to participate openly and dispassionately in this deliberation.

“Your experiences in the front lines, your insights, and your constructive criticism are invaluable. Do not hesitate to challenge assumptions, propose alternative solutions, and share your concerns. Let us therefore dissect our strategies, scrutinize our resources, and collaboratively architect a new strategy that stifles the illicit activities of oil thieves,”he added.

Commanders of Operation Safe Haven and other Operational Commanders were in attendance.

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere