In 2023, Rear Admiral Murtala Bashir (Rtd.), former Commandant of the Navy War College, revealed the Nigerian Navy’s significant strides against oil theft, safeguarding 91,725.26 barrels of crude oil, as unveiled during the Naval Warfare Course 8 inauguration in Calabar.
Bashir’s insights underscored the Navy’s robust actions, which thwarted the illegal activities of economic saboteurs, preventing the loss of 513,350 litres of kerosene, deactivating 351 illegal refining sites, 630 storage tanks, and 315 wooden boats within the period.
Arrests numbered 78 suspects, 35 vessels, and 13 trucks, showcasing the Navy’s resolute stance against maritime criminality.
The Navy’s proactive measures culminated in Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Organization’s list of High-Risk Countries, marking a significant milestone in maritime security.
Stringent vigilance, intelligence investment, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders fostered coordinated operations, resulting in the apprehension of pirates and oil thieves, both at sea and onshore.
Bashir advocated for optimised Naval Warfare Training, emphasising the cultivation of professional officers capable of translating strategic directives into precise tactical actions.
By instilling apolitical ethos, resource efficiency, and respect for human rights, the Navy aims to enhance public trust and national security responsiveness.
In a series of operations, the Nigerian Navy intercepted eight oil thieves on October 26, confiscating over 300 drums and pumping machines.
Subsequently, on December 7, the apprehension of the 77-metre-long Motor Tanker Vinnalaris 1 Lagos underscored the Navy’s unwavering commitment to combat illegal oil activities, safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
