Fight against maritime oil theft: Efforts worthy of praise
In a statement issued yesterday, the Director of Naval Information, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, sought to set the record straight regarding the unfounded accusations leveled against the Nigerian Navy. According to him, desperate individuals and organizations are seeking to discredit the Navy’s efforts to eradicate crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the country’s maritime waters.
This smear strategy involves using third-party agents or special interest groups to sow doubt about the Navy’s renewed commitment to combating crude oil theft. However, Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan stresses that these unfounded claims are completely false and not based on any hard evidence.
He reiterates that the Nigerian Navy is fulfilling its statutory responsibilities as set out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the maritime security of the country. It is also important to emphasize that the Navy constantly collaborates with all maritime stakeholders, both nationally, regionally and internationally.
The integration of private actors in the protection of critical economic infrastructure is a well-known development, provided that standards of professionalism and standard operating procedures are scrupulously respected. Consequently, the contrary allegations, conveyed by misleading and uncorroborated publications, are completely unfounded.
The Nigerian Navy is the lead agency responsible for the security of Nigeria’s maritime environment, and is at the forefront of mobilizing legitimate maritime stakeholders in the collective fight against crude oil theft and for the protection of assets national.
The numerous operations and exercises carried out by the Navy, such as Operation Dakar Ta Dabarwo, Operation Calm Waters, Operation Nchekwe Oshimili and Exercise Sea Guardian, to name but a few, confirm its commitment in the fight against criminal activities at sea, including oil theft.
In 2023 alone, these operations resulted in the arrest of 23 vessels, more than 233 suspects, and 690 wooden boats carrying stolen crude oil and derived products, while more than 703 illegal refining sites were arrested. destroyed. Dozens of barges, 82 vehicles and tankers were also arrested, and petroleum products worth over N105 billion were confiscated from the oil thieves.
These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to combat oil theft and protect national resources. The arrested suspects were handed over to the relevant bodies for appropriate legal proceedings, and the fight against crude oil theft continues with renewed zeal in 2024.
It is therefore understandable that these fake publications seek to divert attention from the Navy, as criminals involved in oil theft begin to feel the impact of these measures. The Navy’s concrete results are reflected in an increase in oil production over the past six months, as confirmed by relevant authorities and the media.
Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan concluded by asserting that the smear campaigns orchestrated by these ill-intentioned individuals will not discourage the Nigerian Navy in the exercise of its constitutional missions in the service of the national economy. The Navy will continue to act with determination to ensure the country’s maritime security and combat illicit activities at sea.
In summary, the volatility of baseless accusations should not shake our confidence in the Nigerian Navy and its efforts to protect our vital maritime assets. Their renewed commitment to the fight against oil theft is solid proof of their determination to uphold order and justice in our territorial waters.