By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy (NN) said its operatives in Rivers State have dismantled a suspected camp for crude oil theives and apprehended two persons allegedly involved in stealing of crude oil in the state.
According to the spokesman of the Navy,Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny on Sunday,engaged in a firefight with suspected crude oil thieves at Elem-Akrakama and Elem-Tombia areas. The suspects, who were armed and aboard two speedboats, fled into their camp upon sighting the navy personnel.
Utilizing drone surveillance for situational awareness and precise targeting, the navy forced the suspects to retreat into the surrounding creeks. The operation resulted in the destruction of the criminals’ camp and boats. One suspect was neutralized, and two were apprehended. Recovered items included: two outboard engines (200 and 140 Horse Power) and two Motorola walkie-talkie radios.
This operation is part of a larger initiative launched in January 2024 by Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Due to its success, the operation was extended in April and July 2024.
From April to July, the Nigerian Navy has arrested 24 suspects, seized six vessels, deactivated 122 illegal refinery sites, and destroyed 57 wooden boats. The successful interdiction by the Quick Response Team of the Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base Bonny underscores the Navy’s commitment to restoring order in the Niger Delta region.
“The Nigerian Navy will continue to pursue and dismantle illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime space,” Adams-Aliu stated, warning those involved in crude oil theft and other illicit activities to desist.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, launched Operation DELTA SANITY in January 2024, to combat crude oil thieves operating in the Niger Delta area.
The Navy’s spokesman said: “The operation involves the deployment of more personnel, platforms, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations.
Since the operation started early this year, it was gathered that the operation led to remarkable successes galvanizing to its extension in April 2024 and another extension in July 2024.
As a result, “Between April-July 2024, 24 suspects and six vessels have been arrested, while 122 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated and 57 wooden boats destroyed.
“The successful operation by Quick Response Team of Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY is one of the many effective interdiction operations conducted by Nigerian Navy units in Niger Delta Region, Cdre Adams-Aliu reiterated.
He warned that every nefarious element involved in Crude Oil Theft and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime space should desist from such acts as the Nigerian Navy would stop at nothing to restore sanity and order in the Niger Delta Region.