Between January and February 2024, Nigerian Navy operations in the Niger Delta region resulted in the apprehension and retrieval of stolen crude oil from various criminal syndicates operating in the area.
During this period, the Nigerian Navy successfully seized a total of 60,815.77 barrels of crude oil valued at approximately $5.218 million (N8.12 billion). Additionally, 557,580 litres of illegally refined Automatic Gas Oil (AGO) worth N497 million, Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK) valued at N5.5 million, and 9,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N5.490 million were recovered.
According to Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, the Director of Information of the Nigerian Navy, these operations prevented oil thieves from profiting approximately N8.6 billion, which could have been utilized to fuel activities detrimental to national security and prosperity.
Providing further details, Admiral Ayo-Vaughan disclosed that 51 wooden boats were apprehended during the period, along with the destruction of 105 illegal refining ovens, 85 reservoirs, and 288 dugout pits. Additionally, 41 Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and three fibre boats were demolished as part of the Navy’s efforts to combat illicit activities in the region.
