- Usman added that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts against any form of economic sabotage to the country.
The Nigerian Navy has seized vessel with 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Ondo State over the weekend.
The Forward Operating Base, FOB, in Igbokoda, intercepted the boat at Obe-Nla, a coastal community in Ilaje Local Government Area.
According to Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, FOB’s Commanding Officer, the illicit activity was exposed through reliable intelligence.
Usman disclosed that upon receiving intel, a Quick Response Team, QRT, stationed at Awoye, was deployed to the community, leading to the discovery.
“At about 0700 hours, the QRT team arrived at the Obe-Nla seaside and discovered the wooden boat, approximately 30 meters in length, beached near a recently deactivated illegal refining site.
The commanding officer revealed that “the vessel, powered by a 40 HP outboard engine, was laden with the stolen crude oil.
Two additional locally fabricated wooden boats, equipped with outboard engines and other items, were confiscated according to standard procedures.
“The operation concluded successfully, with the team returning to their base at Awoye by 1500 hours.
Relevant geo-tagged evidence has been forwarded to the authorities for further action.
Usman emphasized that the Nigerian Navy will persist in combating economic sabotage.
“The perpetrators of illegal bunkering and crude oil theft are advised to engage in other legitimate businesses within the maritime environment.”