The Nigerian Navy personnel at NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi LGA, Akwa Ibom, have intercepted a boat carrying approximately 100,000 liters of crude oil.
The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Martins Fakrogha,
Made this disclosure during a press briefing in Ibaka, Mbo LGA, on Thursday emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to combating oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s maritime resources.
Fakrogha revealed that the vessel carrying about 100,000 liters of crude oil was intercepted on Tuesday around 5:00 a.m. near one of Akwa Ibom State’s oil fields.
Fakrogha stated that the Navy acted on a tip-off regarding a large vessel, identified as a Cotonou boat, spotted approximately 23.9 nautical miles off the coast of Imo River.
“From a credible source, a large boat known as Cotonou boat was sighted at about 23.9 nautical miles seaward of Imo River entrance,” he said.
Fakrogha further explained that the boat’s crew fled upon sighting a vessel from the Private Maritime Logistics Support Company carrying Navy personnel.
In addition to the 100,000 liters of crude oil, the Navy seized 12 Gee Pee tanks, three service tanks, four submersible pumps, and three outboard engines.
“The objectives of the Operation Delta Sanity 2 is to checkmate illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, piracy amongst other maritime crimes in the Eastern Flank of the country’s maritime environment with a view to increase the country’s crude oil production,” he noted.
He emphasized the Navy’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s crude oil production and reducing maritime-related crimes.
He issued a stern warning to oil thieves and other criminals in the region, urging them to cease their acts of economic sabotage or face the full force of the Nigerian Navy.
Operation Delta Sanity is a strategic initiative by the Nigerian Navy aimed at combating oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes in Nigeria’s Niger Delta and Eastern regions.
This operation underscores the Navy’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s economic assets and ensuring maritime security.
Oil theft and vandalism of crude oil infrastructure remain significant challenges for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly in the Niger Delta.
However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited claims progress in addressing these issues.
In 2024, NNPCL reported uncovering thousands of illegal refineries and pipelines, marking a significant step in its fight against crude oil theft and economic sabotage.