By Tola Gbadamosi

Operatives of the tactical unit of the Nigeria Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, acting on credible intelligence, have uncovered a large illegal refining camp at Ojumoka, a riverine community in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State.

This was sequel to the ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering within the nation’s maritime environment.

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base Igbokoda discovered the illegal refining camp one of which was fully operational.

The site contained stolen crude oil stored in forty drums of 300 litres each, amounting to 12,000 litres, as well as a stationed metal tank with a capacity of 10,000 litres.

This discovery followed an earlier interception at about 0100 hours on the same Tuesday, February 18, when three fibre speedboats were seized along the Ugbonla waterside in Ilaje.

The boats, loaded with approximately 4,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in 137 jerry cans, were intercepted by the FOB’s quick response team stationed at the Idigba Naval Security Outpost.

In accordance with existing directives, the entire illegal refining structure, along with the intercepted boats and stolen crude oil/AGO, were deactivated.

The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, Captain Aliyu Usman, warned those engaging in economic sabotage against the Nigerian state to desist, emphasising that the Nigerian Navy will continue to pursue and bring perpetrators of all maritime crime to justice.

He also urged riverine communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to criminality and economic sabotage.

This, he said would support the Navy’s efforts in safeguarding the nation’s critical assets and resources.