The Forward Operation Base of the Nigerian Navy in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has destroyed eight illegal bunkering sites in the state.
The military said the development was a breakthrough against maritime crime in the riverine area of the Sunshine State.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Igbokoda, the Commanding Officer of the base, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, said the illegal bunkering site was uncovered at Obe-Akinboye seaside community in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the personnel of the Navy destroyed the site at about 3am on Tuesday.
He said, “The discovery was made possible through a robust intelligence network and the vigilance of naval personnel in their fight against maritime crime, illegality, and economic sabotage within their Area of Operation.
“Once the intelligence was received about the illegal refining camps, the base’s Quick Response Team stationed at a nearby Naval Security Outpost was immediately mobilised to conduct the raid.”
He however, revealed that the perpetrators fled the area upon sighting the Naval team, abandoning the illegal sites, The PUNCH reports.
“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.
”In addition, 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,” the naval boss stated.
Captain Usman warned all criminals and economic saboteurs operating in the maritime domain to desist from their activities, saying the Navy would maintain a zero-tolerance stance on maritime criminality and crude oil theft.
He added that the operation aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for naval bases to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s waters and actively pursue those undermining Nigeria’s maritime resources.
