In a major crackdown on oil theft and maritime crime, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, has destroyed eight illegal bunkering sites discovered in the Obe-Akinboye seaside community of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Commanding Officer of the base, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, said the operation was launched around 3 a.m. following credible intelligence and swift mobilization of the Navy’s Quick Response Team.
“The discovery was made possible through a robust intelligence network and the vigilance of naval personnel in the fight against maritime crime, illegality, and economic sabotage,” he stated.
According to Captain Usman, upon arriving at the location, the perpetrators fled, abandoning the illicit facilities. Upon inspection, the naval team uncovered eight illegal refining camps with storage tanks and reservoirs containing an estimated 50,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Additional equipment recovered from the camps included three wooden boats, pumping machines, and discharge pipes, all used in the illegal transportation and refining of crude oil.
The camps and equipment were destroyed in line with directives from the Defence Headquarters, he confirmed.
Captain Usman issued a strong warning to criminal elements operating within Nigeria’s maritime zones, stressing that the Navy under the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, would maintain a zero-tolerance policy on oil theft and related crimes.
“We will continue to intensify our operations to safeguard national resources and ensure that our waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate activities,” he affirmed.
The Navy urged community members to support ongoing security operations by providing credible intelligence that can help eliminate criminal networks in the region.
