Navy intercepts boat with 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Ondo

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, Ondo State, has intercepted a wooden boat carrying 40,000 litres of crude oil at Obe-Nla community in Ilaje Local Council of the state.

Commanding officer of the base, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, disclosed that the interception occurred over the weekend, following credible intelligence. Acting on the tip-off, a Quick Response Team (QRT) stationed at Awoye was dispatched to the location.

“At about 7:00 p.m., the QRT arrived at the Obe-Nla seaside and discovered the wooden boat, approximately 30 metres in length, beached near a recently deactivated illegal refining site,” Usman stated.

He explained that the vessel, powered by a 40 HP outboard engine, was laden with the stolen crude oil. In addition to the seized boat, two other locally fabricated wooden boats, each equipped with three 40 HP outboard engines, were also confiscated alongside other items in line with established protocols.

“The operation concluded successfully, with the team returning to their base at Awoye at about 2:00 a.m. Relevant geo-tagged evidence has been forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he said.

Usman assured that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to combating economic sabotage, including illegal bunkering and crude oil theft.

“We urge those involved in such criminal activities to desist and engage in legitimate businesses within the maritime environment,” he added.