We'll continue bringing perpetrators of all maritime crimes to justice

…uncovers illegal refining camp in Ondo

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda in Ondo State, has warned those engaging in economic sabotage against the Nigerian State to desist, emphasising that the Nigerian Navy will continue to pursue and bring perpetrators of all maritime crimes to justice.

Aliyu Usman, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base Igbokoda, gave the warning on Wednesday when the Command uncovered a large illegal refining camp at Ojumoka, a riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to him, this was part of the ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering within the nation’s maritime environment.

Usman said the site contained stolen crude oil stored in forty drums of 300 litres each, amounting to 12,000 litres, as well as a stationed metal tank with a capacity of 10,000 litres.

He said; “this discovery followed an earlier interception at about 0100 hours on the same Tuesday, 18th February, when three fibre speedboat was seized along the Ugbonla waterside in Ilaje.

“The boats, loaded with approximately 4,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in 137 jerry cans, were intercepted by the FOB’s quick response team stationed at the Idigba Naval Security Outpost.

“In accordance with existing directives, the entire illegal refining structure, along with the intercepted boats and stolen crude oil/AGO, were deactivated.”

Usman, who also urged riverine communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to criminality and economic sabotage, however, said he would support the Navy’s efforts in safeguarding the nation’s critical assets and resources.