The Nigerian Navy, operating from NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, has intercepted a boat carrying 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Commander of NNS Jubilee, shared the news during a press briefing in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, on Thursday.
He revealed that the boat was intercepted early on Tuesday morning while heading towards an oil well in the state.
“Based on reliable intelligence, a large boat, identified as a Cotonou boat, was spotted approximately 23.9 nautical miles off the Imo River entrance at around 5:00 am,” Fakrogha explained.
Upon seeing a boat from the Private Maritime Logistics Support Company (PMLSC) with Navy personnel aboard, the thieves abandoned the vessel.
The commander highlighted that the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity 2 aims to combat illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, and piracy, among other maritime crimes in the Eastern region, with the goal of boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production.
The confiscated boat contained 100,000 litres of suspected crude oil, along with 12 Gee Pee tanks, three service tanks, four submersible pumps, and three outboard engines.
Fakrogha issued a stern warning to oil thieves and criminals in the region, stressing that the Navy remains determined to combat economic sabotage and will take decisive action against offenders.
