By Tola Gbadamosi

Men of the Quick Response Team at Agadagba Naval outpost in Ese Odo Local Government area of Ondo State, under the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda, have intercepted a locally fabricated wooden boat carrying illegally refined petroleum products.

A total of 1,400 litres of illegally refined oil, stored in 44 jerry cans, was seized during the operation.

The team, led by the Base Operations Officer of the Forward Operating Base Igbokoda, acted on credible intelligence received through maritime security outlets.

Speaking on the seizure, the commander of the Forward Operating Base Igbokoda, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, issued a stern warning to oil thieves to steer clear of the state.

He added that the seized wooden boat and its contents would be deactivated in line with existing regulations and directives from Defence Headquarters.

The Navy commended Tantita Security Services and Gallery Security Services for their swift and credible intelligence, which has significantly contributed to the fight against crude oil theft and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s maritime environment.

He said, “perpetrators of economic sabotage and other criminal activities should desist immediately, as the Nigerian Navy remains committed to securing the maritime environment and eliminating illegal operations.”

“This operation serves as a strong warning to all criminal elements that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts to combat all forms of illegal activities and protect critical national assets.”