The Nigerian Navy has discovered eight illegal oil bunkering sites in the Obe-Akinboye seaside community, located in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This was revealed on Tuesday in Igbokoda by Capt. Aliyu Usman, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda.
Usman said the anti-crime operation was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, around 3:00 a.m., by naval personnel from the base.
He credited the breakthrough to “a robust intelligence network” and the vigilance of naval officers in the ongoing clampdown on maritime crime, illegal activities, and economic sabotage across their operational zone.
Upon receiving actionable intelligence about the existence of illegal refining camps, Usman said the Quick Response Team stationed at a nearby Naval Security Outpost was swiftly mobilized to conduct a raid.
He said the operators fled the scene on spotting the naval team, abandoning the sites in haste.
“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,” Usman explained.
“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.”
He added that the illegal facilities and items found at the site were handled in line with directives from the Defence Headquarters.
Usman also issued a strong warning to individuals involved in criminal activities within Nigeria’s maritime space, urging them to desist or face consequences.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to maintain a firm stance against oil theft and maritime crime.
“Our operation aligns with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Ogalla (Admiralty Medal),” he noted.
“The directive was for naval bases to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s waters and actively pursue those undermining Nigeria’s maritime resources.”