In a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, announced significant achievements by the Nigerian Navy in combating illegal activities within the maritime domain throughout the year 2023.
During this period, a total of 703 illegal refining sites were dismantled, and enforcement operations led to the destruction of 690 Cotonou boats transporting stolen crude oil, along with 116 speed boats.
Vice Admiral Ogalla reported, “I am delighted to report that between January and December 2023, the NN destroyed 703 illegal refining sites and arrested 5 barges, 690 Cotonou boats laden with stolen crude, 116 speed boats, as well as 232 suspects engaged in COT.
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During the period, 82 vehicles/trucks and 23 vessels were also arrested.” Notable vessels seized include MT Marine Express, MT Cecilia, MT Ufuoma, MT Vigor I, MV Barge Ayeba Eneni, FT Lamu I, and MT Vinnalaris I in Lagos, among others.
The enforcement efforts resulted in the apprehension of 232 individuals involved in criminal activities.
Additionally, the Navy seized 46,369,219 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,472,200 liters of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 438,886 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The total recovered crude oil amounted to 803,353.20 barrels, valued at approximately N105 billion in current market values.
Furthermore, Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted the Navy’s commitment to curbing illicit drug trafficking within the maritime domain. Between April and November 2023, the Navy successfully intercepted and arrested individuals in possession of 692 bags of Cannabis Sativa, valued at N1.38 billion.
These confiscated substances were duly handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in adherence to legal protocols.
In summarizing the Navy’s accomplishments, Vice Admiral Ogalla underscored the multifaceted impact of these operations, emphasizing not only the significant financial implications but also the broader contribution to national security and the deterrence of criminal activities in the maritime sector.
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