Navy Intercepts N8 Billion Stolen Crude In 2 Months

The Nigerian Navy has announced remarkable achievements in its recent operations conducted in the Niger Delta region, aimed at combating oil theft and related criminal activities.

According to Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, the Director of Information of the Nigerian Navy, the operations carried out between January and February 2024 have resulted in significant arrests and the recovery of stolen crude oil from various criminal syndicates operating in the area.

During the two-month period, the Nigerian Navy successfully seized and recovered the following items:

Crude Oil Seizure

A total of 60,815.77 barrels of crude oil, with an estimated value of approximately $5.218 million (N8.12 billion), were confiscated from illegal activities.

Illegal Gas Oil

Additionally, 557,580 liters of illegally refined Automatic Gas Oil (AGO), valued at N497 million, were intercepted and seized by the naval forces.

Dual-Purpose Kerosene and Premium Motor Spirit

The operations also led to the recovery of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK) worth N5.5 million and 9,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N5.490 million.

Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan emphasised the significance of these operations in safeguarding national security and prosperity.

He noted that the oil thieves were deprived of approximately N8.6 billion, which could have been utilised to fund activities detrimental to the nation’s well-being.

Dismantling Criminal Infrastructure

Providing further details, Admiral Ayo-Vaughan revealed the extent of the naval operations in dismantling the infrastructure used by criminal elements involved in oil theft.

Arrests and Destruction

A total of 51 wooden boats were apprehended during the operations. Additionally, 105 illegal refining ovens, 85 reservoirs, and 288 dugout pits utilised in illegal refining activities were destroyed by the naval forces.

Demolition of Illegal Refining Sites

The Nigerian Navy also demolished 41 Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and three fibre boats used for illicit activities, further crippling the operations of criminal networks in the region.

The Nigerian Navy’s relentless efforts in combating oil theft and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta have yielded commendable results.

With significant seizures and dismantling of criminal infrastructure, the naval operations have not only prevented substantial economic losses but also contributed to enhancing national security and prosperity.