The Nigerian Navy has achieved significant milestones in the fight against oil theft and maritime crime, confiscating over 8.1 million barrels of stolen crude oil and 86,500 metric tons (MT) of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) between 2020 and 2024.
Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, Chief of Training and Operations, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
Key Achievements
The navy’s efforts also resulted in:
- Seizure of Illegally Sourced Petroleum Products: Over 788,312 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 21 million liters of kerosene were recovered.
- Equipment Confiscation: The navy captured 120 barges, 181 speedboats, 1,453 wooden boats, and 118 vehicles used to transport stolen petroleum products.
- Dismantling Illegal Refineries: More than 1,528 illegal refining sites and 8,790 storage tanks were destroyed.
- Arrests: 392 suspects linked to oil theft were handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Notable Arrests and International Collaboration
Significant arrests included the vessels MT SWEET MIRI and MT VILLANIRIS I, which were found carrying a combined four million liters of stolen crude oil. Rear Admiral Ferreira highlighted collaborations with neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, which aided in apprehending vessels like MT NEW ANGEL and MT JASMINE.
The navy also conducted multinational operations, such as Exercises CROCODILE LIFT and GRAND AFRICAN NEMO. These exercises, involving ships and aircraft from Nigeria, France, the UK, and Spain, were aimed at strengthening regional partnerships to combat maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Impact on Crude Oil Production
Ferreira noted that the navy’s efforts have curbed oil theft, significantly boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported an increase in daily production from 1.23 million barrels in October 2022 to 1.8 million barrels in October 2024.
Challenges and Commitment
Rear Admiral Ferreira acknowledged attempts by mischief-makers to tarnish the navy’s image, but reaffirmed the service’s dedication to protecting Nigeria’s resources. He also highlighted the navy’s role in initiatives like the Presidential Crude Oil Barging Regime.
Moving Forward
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to working with sister services, international partners, and credible stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s economic assets and ensure maritime security.
This ongoing vigilance underscores the navy’s critical role in national development and economic prosperity.
