The Nigerian Navy has uncovered eight illegal bunkering sites at the Obe-Akinboye seaside community in Ilaje Local Council Area of Ondo State.
The operation was executed by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda in the early hours of Tuesday.
While describing the operation as a major breakthrough against maritime crime, the Commanding Officer of the Base, Captain Aliyu Usman, disclosed that the discovery was made possible through an intelligence network and the vigilance of the naval personnel involved in the operation.
Usman revealed that after the intel was received on the activities of the illegal refining camps, the base’s Quick Response Team stationed at a nearby naval security outpost was immediately mobilised to conduct the raid.
According to him, the success of the operation will further boost the morale of the naval personnel in the fight against maritime crime, illegality, and economic sabotage within their Area of Operation.
He said, “The perpetrators fled the area upon sighting the naval assault team, abandoning the illegal sites. Upon inspection, the team uncovered eight illegal refining camps containing several storage tanks and reservoirs filled with an estimated 50,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
“The camps were equipped with crude oil theft-related equipment, including three wooden boats used to convey the stolen products, pumping machines, and discharge pipes.
“The eight illegal refining sites and associated items were handled in accordance with extant directives from Defence Headquarters.”
Usman, who issued a stern warning to all criminals and economic saboteurs operating in the maritime domain to desist from their activities, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to its zero-tolerance stance on maritime criminality and crude oil theft.
The Commanding Officer further stressed that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for naval bases to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s waters and actively pursue those undermining Nigeria’s maritime resources.
Navy destroys eight illegal bunkering sites in Ondo
