Criminals have been asked to desist from crude oil theft and other illegalities in the maritime domain.
The warning was issued by Rear Adm. Umar Chugali, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command.
Politics Nigeria reports that he gave the warning during his maiden familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) on Monday in Warri.
According to him, the Navy has zero tolerance for criminals sabotaging the nation’snation’s economic assets.
Addressing journalists shortly after inspecting facilities at the naval base, the FOC said that the Nigerian Navy was determined to curtail crude oil theft in the maritime space.
He said:
“Let me re-emphasise that the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies operating in the maritime space have zero tolerance for criminals sabotaging the nation’snation’s economic assets.
“Anyone operating in the maritime environment that indulges in criminal activities will not have a hiding place.
“The Commander is ready, the platforms are ready, and the morals of the officers and men are high, so we are going all out to ensure that not a drop of crude oil is missing.”
Chugali also said that the Navy would continue to partner with stakeholders to combat crude oil theft effectively.
“We are collaborating and synergising with not just the security agencies but all stakeholders to effectively form a barrier where illegalities will not thrive in the maritime environment,” he said.
Speaking on the continuous setting ablaze of seized crude oil and others, the FOC said that the Navy was operating under the stipulated ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ (SOP).
He added that the current SOP was very effective, stressing that other means could be devised in future.
