The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operation Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has dismantled eight illegal bunkering sites in the area.
The military described the development as a significant breakthrough in the fight against maritime crime in the riverine areas of Ondo State.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Igbokoda, the Commanding Officer of the base, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, stated that the illegal bunkering site was located at the Obe-Akinboye seaside community in Ilaje Local Government Area.
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He stated that Navy personnel dismantled the site at approximately 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 also disclosed that the perpetrators fled the area upon spotting the Naval team, leaving the illegal sites behind.
“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 cautioned criminals and economic saboteurs in the maritime domain to halt their activities, emphasising that the Navy would uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards maritime crime and crude oil theft.
He further explained that the operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for naval bases to safeguard the nation’s waters and actively target those exploiting Nigeria’s maritime resources.
