Crude Theft, Maritime Crimes Have Reduced In Niger Delta – Navy

Nigerian Navy Ship Delta on Tuesday disclosed that there is a noticeable reduction in the tempo of crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region.

The outgone Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, while speaking during a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Warri Naval Base, specifically stated that the negative trends “have reduced drastically in its areas of operations.”

Highlights of the event were the signing of handover notes, lowering/hoisting of the pennant, presentation of the unit flag and inauguration of a car park at the base.

Also in attendance were representatives of the various military and para-military agencies, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, among others.

Yahaya recalled that he assumed office on May 2, 2023, as the 13th Commander of the NNS Delta, noting that despite the myriad of challenges, his tenure had recorded resounding successes in its areas of operations; including the destruction of illegal refining sites and arrest of sea pirates/robbers.

He averred that the Base anti-crude oil theft operatives apprehended several suspects with offences bordering on crude oil theft and improper documentation, adding that some vessels were also apprehended and consequently handed over to the anti-graft agency and other relevant authorities for appropriate prosecutions, during his tenure of office.

He affirmed that the NNS Delta also participated in various clearance operations and exercises in line with the Base’s mandate of securing the maritime environment to enhance economic activities.

He said, “I am happy to inform you that our collective efforts and commitment have brought about a commendable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

“The Base anti-crude oil theft operations have recorded success in the destruction of illegal refining sites in our areas of operations.

“During the period under review, the Base destroyed various illegal refining sites and storage facilities containing stolen crude oil and illegally refined automated gasoline oil.

“Furthermore, from May 2023 to date, the Base patrolled for about 21,630 hours, resulting in the deactivation of illegal refining sites and handling of stolen crude oil.”

Yahaya added that the deployment of swamp buggies had successfully discouraged the operations of illegal bunkering in its areas of operations.

He remarked, “The last swamp buggy operations we conducted between August 20 and September 23, 2023, recovered a total of about 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.

“This is indeed a testament to the laudable performance of this Base in the period under review.

“For this, I am sincerely grateful to the dedication and commitment of all officers and ratings of the Base. I urged you to extend same and even more to the incoming Commander.”

He then lauded the Delta State government, the military and para-military agencies within the NNS Delta areas of operations for their support, just as he acknowledged the inter-agency cooperation and synergy as a great factor in the sustenance of peace in the Base’s areas of operations.

He charged the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Base to continue to be loyal, focused and determined in the discharge of their duties in line with the CNS’ strategic directives

He also solicited their continuous discipline, perseverance and adherence to all extant rules and regulations guiding their conduct as officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy.

The incoming Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Muhsin Abba, while addressing journalists, assured that the personnel would be encouraged to discharge their duties in accordance with the mandates of the Nigerian Navy.

He said, “They should be disciplined, obedient, loyal and should not collaborate with anybody that undermines the economic activities of the country.

“As you know, oil is the mainstay of our economy and anything that will impede on the production of oil within our areas of operations is going to be stopped.