Navy recovers N5billion worth of stolen crude oil in one year

The Nigeria Navy has in the last eight months of April to November, recovered over N5 billion worth of stolen crude oil from oil thieves in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, at the ongoing CNS meeting with operational Commanders at the New Conference Hall, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Speaking in his opening remarks, Ogalla said he was delighted to announce that between January and December 2023, the NN destroyed 703 illegal refining sites and arrested five barges.

According to him, about 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude, 116 speed boats as well as 232 suspects engaged in COT.

He explained further that during the period, 82 vehicles/trucks and 23 vessels were also arrested.

He pointed out that 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.

Ogalla added that arising from the arrests and seizures, 46, 369,219 ltrs of AGO, 2,472,200 ltrs of DPK and 438, 886 ltrs of PMS were recovered.

He said the NN recovered 803, 353.20 barrels of crude oil adding that at current market values, the seizures made translated to about N5 billion.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, also added that the NN has been active in the fight against illicit-drugs trafficking especially within the maritime domain.

He said between April and November, 2023, the NN arrested 692 bags of Cannabis Sativa, worth about N1.3 billion
The products have since been handed over to the NDLEA as required by law.

According to him, the achievements are recorded as a result of deliberate strategic policy formulation, operational implementation and tactical execution and urged the officers of the NN, not be lulled into complacency.

Ogalla reiterated his earlier mission statement on his vision when he took over as the Chief of the Naval Staff urging his officers to key into the philosophy.

“I am sure that you would also recall that I leveraged the opportunity to lay out my vision and mission statements as well as my command philosophy, which is anchored on leading with integrity, courage and relentless pursuit for excellence.

“During the Retreat, I also laid out the stark reality confronting our nation; the rampant and audacious theft of our economic lifeblood, crude oil.

“We resolved then, not to dwell on the challenge, but to forge a resolute path forward. We committed to becoming an impenetrable wall against this criminal assault on our maritime domain and restore a safe maritime environment to sustain our national development and prosperity.

“Today, we are gathered to not only appraise our efforts in curbing Crude Oil Theft (COT), but also to ignite a fiercer resolve to defeat the scourge of COT that plagues our nation.

“Commendably, we have made significant strides in the last few months. Your individual and collective dedications have yielded tangible results.”

“I am delighted to report that between January and December 2023, the NN 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 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. These are not isolated successes, they are achievements recorded as a result of deliberate strategic policy formulation, operational implementation and tactical execution.

“However, let us not be lulled into complacency. The criminals we combat are adaptable and ruthless.”