Navy Intercepts, Recovers 90,000 Liters of Stolen Crude at Ilaje

The Nigerian Navy has dealt a significant blow to oil thieves in the country, intercepting a large wooden boat conveying approximately 90,000 litres of stolen crude oil off the coast of Araromi, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The operation, which took place on Thursday, May 15, was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, following credible intelligence on suspected illegal bunkering activities in the area.

The crude oil was illegally sourced from abandoned oil wellheads located offshore in Igbokoda and was en route to Lagos before the naval personnel intercepted the thieves.

The suspects, however, managed to escape arrest, fleeing into the creeks in an accompanying speedboat. Nevertheless, the Navy was able to recover key items from the intercepted vessel, including three pumping machines, a long discharge hose, and two high-powered outboard engines used for navigation.

The boat and all recovered equipment have since been processed in line with extant Defence Headquarters regulations.

The successful operation is a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime domain and safeguarding critical national assets.

The Commanding Officer of FOB Igbokoda, Captain Aliyu Usman, praised the efforts of his team, stating that the operation aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff’s operational directive to crack down on economic saboteurs and ensure maritime security in the nation.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent the theft of our nation’s resources and protect our maritime environment,” he said.

The interception of the stolen crude oil is a significant blow to the oil thieves, who have been causing huge losses to the nation’s economy. It is estimated that the stolen crude oil is worth millions of naira, and its interception will help to reduce the financial burden on the nation.

The Nigerian Navy has been working tirelessly to combat oil theft and other maritime crimes in the country. In recent months, the Navy has intercepted several vessels carrying stolen crude oil and has arrested numerous suspects involved in the crime.

As the Navy continues to crack down on oil thieves, it is expected that the nation will see a significant reduction in the incidence of oil theft and other maritime crimes.

The successful operation off the coast of Ondo State is a clear indication that the Navy is committed to protecting the nation’s maritime domain and safeguarding its critical national assets.