By: Bayero Ade
The Nigerian Navy has successfully intercepted a boat carrying 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Akwa Ibom State. The operation took place in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, with the seizure announced by the Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Martins Fakrogha.
According to NAN, during a briefing in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, on Thursday, Fakrogha explained that the boat was captured early Tuesday morning as it approached an oil well in the state.
The commander stated that the vessel, a large Cotonou boat, was spotted 23.9 nautical miles off the Imo River entrance around 5:00 am, based on reliable intelligence. Upon sighting a Nigerian Navy vessel from the Private Maritime Logistics Support Company (PMLSC), the criminals abandoned the boat.
Fakrogha emphasized that the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity 2 aims to tackle maritime crimes such as illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, and piracy along Nigeria’s eastern coastline. The operation’s primary goal is to enhance the nation’s crude oil production while curbing criminal activities.
The confiscated boat was carrying 100,000 litres of suspected crude oil, as well as 12 Gee Pee tanks, three service tanks, four submersible pumps, and three outboard engines.
In his remarks, Fakrogha warned those involved in economic sabotage to cease their illegal activities, asserting that the Nigerian Navy is committed to confronting and dealing severely with such criminal enterprises.
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