Navy’s “Operation Stop the Thieves” has curbed illegal oil bunkering – Commander

Nigerian Navy’s “Operation Dakatar Da Barawo’’ (Stop the Thieves) has helped to curb illegal oil bunkering in Akwa Ibom.

The Commander, NNS Jubilee stationed at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, Cdr. Semiu Olubode-Fazaz, made declaration on Wednesday.

He was speaking at the inauguration of “A-Community-a-Water- Project’’ at Essene in the local government area.

He said that the operation had also gone a long way to curb criminality in waterways in the state.

“Recently, we increased our efforts in combating illegal criminality.

“Nigerian Navy recently launched an operation called “Dakatar Da Barawo’’ which means stop the thieves.

“So far, without being immodest the operation has gone a long way to curb illegal oil bunkering in the state,’’ he said.

Olubode-Fazaz added that the Navy had seized quite a large quantity of stolen crude oil and chased the oil thieves out of their hideouts where they vandalised pipelines.

“We all know how illegal oil bunkering affects our economy and the development of Nigeria.

“Navy as a service will continue to fight this illegality in our waterways; we will continue to do it to ensure that our common heritage is safe and for all to benefit,’’ he said.

“A-Community-a-Water-Project’ is one of Nigerian Navy’s cherished tradition of giving back to its host communities.

“One of the key interests of the Command has been to ensure that our hosts live in peace with officers and ratings of the Navy.

“In line with this peaceful co-existence position, NNS Jubilee has been patrolling communities including Essene to ensure security of lives and property.

“We have offered free medical services from time to time.

“In some communities, water projects have been provided with generators to power the pumps,’’ Olubode-Fazaz said.

In his remarks, Eteidung Godswill Okon, the village head of Essene, thanked the Nigerian Navy for its kind gesture.

“By this singular act, you have demonstrated that you are not just after the criminals amongst us but you are also concerned about our wellbeing; we are grateful,’’ Okon said.

He assured that the community would use the water judiciously. (NAN)