Get Guardian on GoogleCustoms, Navy strengthen waterways security ahead of yuletide
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites in Okarki Community, Ahoada West Local Council of Rivers State, recovering about 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.
The operation, conducted on November 11 by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel following intelligence reports on illegal oil bunkering activities in the area.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the two sites contained about eight dugout pits and storage containers holding an estimated 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 30,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
He said the sites and recovered products were handled in accordance with established procedures for tackling crude oil theft and illegal refining.
No arrests were made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.
The Navy said the latest operation built on an earlier raid by NNS Pathfinder in the same general area on October 10, during which three illegal refining sites were discovered and deactivated.
It said the successive operations reflected its determination to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and prevent economic saboteurs from exploiting the nation’s petroleum resources.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure, support national crude oil production and safeguard the country’s economic interests.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, and the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Badagry, have strengthened their joint efforts to secure the waterways, prevent smuggling and other illegal maritime activities, and protect lives and property.
The partnership was reinforced when the Acting Customs Area Controller, NCS Western Marine Command, Thomas Jonah, paid a courtesy visit to the FOB Commander, Naval Captain Sa’id Kabir, yesterday in Badagry, Lagos.
According to a statement by the Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Adewumi Rasheed, the visit focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation to improve security along Nigeria’s waterways.
The engagement comes as the yuletide season approaches, with concerns over attempts by smugglers to move counterfeit products, illicit drugs and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the country through the waterways.
The visit followed the recent seizure of 14,100 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 40 cartons of assorted cosmetic products, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N83.12 million, in a series of anti-smuggling operations along the country’s waterways.
During the visit, Jonah emphasised the need for stronger collaboration, mutual support and a cordial working relationship between the NCS and the Nigerian Navy to enhance security across the waterways.
He solicited the Navy’s support in strengthening joint efforts to safeguard the waterways, protect lives and property, and prevent illegal activities within the maritime environment.
In his response, Kabir assured Customs of the Navy’s readiness to support and collaborate with the Command towards achieving their shared security objectives.
He said the visit reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to sustained inter-agency cooperation, effective information sharing and coordinated efforts to ensure safer waterways and strengthen national security.
