A Joint Task Force consisting of Anti Crude Oil Theft (COT) personnel and the Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has successfully apprehended and destroyed around 16,000 liters of stolen crude oil and illegally refined automotive gas oil.
The confiscated products are estimated to be worth over N13 million.
The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence as part of the Task Force’s ongoing efforts to combat the widespread illegal bunkering activities in the region.
The joint team intercepted a wooden boat, commonly known as a “cotonou boat,” loaded with stolen crude oil approximately 12 Nautical Miles off the coast of Ojumole and Obe community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Commander Wasuku Alushi, the Commanding Officer, stated through the Base’s Executive Officer, Commander Humphrey Nnaji, that upon spotting the naval personnel, the suspected oil thieves abandoned the boat and fled the scene.
Alushi emphasized the commitment of FOB Igbokoda to eradicate the menace of crude oil theft and other criminal activities in Igbokoda and its surroundings. He pledged to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and deploy personnel strategically at key locations, particularly choke points within the Base’s operational area.
Alushi highlighted previous operations conducted in accordance with the directives of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), which resulted in the arrest and destruction of illicit products discovered in Awoye, Ugbo-Nla, Obe-Akinboye, old market road Igbokoda, and Mahin.
The total value of the destroyed illegal petroleum products, based on the current pump price, is estimated to be approximately N13,251,000.
Alushi assured the public that FOB Igbokoda would continue its operations in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla.
