Tola Gbadamosi

In a significant clampdown on crude oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has intercepted a large wooden boat conveying about 90,000 litres of stolen crude oil off the coast of Araromi in Ondo State.

The operation, conducted on Thursday, May 15, was executed by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, following credible intelligence on suspected illegal bunkering activities in the area.

According to preliminary investigations, the crude oil was illegally sourced from abandoned oil wellheads located offshore in Igbokoda and was en route to Lagos before naval personnel swooped in.

On sighting the naval team, the suspects manning the boat fled into the creeks in an accompanying speedboat, evading arrest.

However, the Navy recovered key items from the intercepted vessel, including three pumping machines, a long discharge hose, and two high-powered outboard engines used for navigation.

The boat and all recovered equipment have since been processed in line with extant Defence Headquarters regulations.

Commenting on the operation, the Commanding Officer of FOB Igbokoda, Captain Aliyu Usman, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime domain and safeguarding critical national assets.

He noted that the operation aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff’s operational directive to crack down on economic saboteurs and ensure maritime security.

The latest interception underscores the Navy’s sustained efforts to curb oil theft and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure.