In a decisive move against illegal bunkering, the Nigerian Navy, through the Anti Crude Oil Theft (COT) patrol team, obliterated 15,775 litres of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in the Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo state.
The men of the Naval Forward Operating Base intercepted a Cotonou boat, loaded with approximately 5,000 litres of crude oil valued at N13.2 million.
The Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, mandated to combat COT, executed the destruction of the illicit cargo.
Acting on credible intel, the Task Force tracked and intercepted the wooden boat off the coast of Ojumole and Obe communities in the Ilaje Local Government area.
The crew, realizing the presence of Naval personnel, abandoned the vessel in haste.
Commander Humphrey Nnaji, the Executive Officer of the Base, highlighted the establishment’s role as a force multiplier for the Western Naval Command.
FOB Igbokoda operates under the leadership of Rear Admiral MB Hassan, focusing on policing roles, especially in the Anti-Crude Oil Theft and illegal bunkering efforts.
Commander Nnaji outlined the Base’s recent achievements, underscoring its commitment to combating illegal activities:
Within six weeks of the Commanding Officer’s assumption of command, the Base achieved significant success.
Operations included the interception and destruction of a wooden boat carrying 2,000 litres of suspected illegally refined crude products at Awoye on October 13, 2023.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Base discovered an illegal storage site containing approximately 5,000 litres of illegal POL products at Ugbo-Nla on October 18.
This site was promptly destroyed following OPDS directives.
On October 27, the Base disrupted an Illegal Refining Site (IRS) at Obe-Akinboye, Obenla community, under reactivation for illegally refining Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The site was obliterated as per the mandate.
On October 30, the Base uncovered a storage facility for illegally refined products at Old Market Road, Igbokoda, containing 11 containers totaling 275 litres. Subsequently, on November 14, an illegal storage site at Mahin was discovered, holding 96 drums and 3 x 300 litres drums of illegally refined POL products, approximately 3,500 litres in total.
Commander Nnaji reassured the residents of Igbokoda and its environs, emphasizing the Base’s commitment to breaking the cycle of criminality.
The Base aims to provide a stable, peaceful environment for citizens to conduct legitimate businesses without fear or intimidation, fostering unhindered economic activities.
