How Naval Operatives Impounded Stolen Crude Products Worth 16bn
The Nigerian Navy has said it has seized about N16 billion worth of petroleum products from thieves in oil-producing states within seven weeks.
The Navy said the success was on the back of its Operation Dakatar Da Barawo (OPDDB), also known as ‘Stop the Thief’, which was launched on April 1, to put an end to oil theft and illegal refining.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo stated this at Press Briefing on Tuesday, to flag off its 66th Nigerian Navy Week Celebrations at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Rear Admiral SS GARBA on behalf of the Navy boss said: the Patrol teams had denied oil thieves about 11,781,937 Liters of illegally refined AGO, 20,378,414 Liters (128,180 bbls) of crude oil, and 367,715 Liters of DPK, 232,000 Liters of PMS, 830,000 Liters of Sludge and 66,000 Liters of LPFO.
In its fleet recapitalization and operational activities effort, alongside the support of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPC, the operation has recorded the arrest of 45 suspects, deactivation of 172 Illegal Refining Sites (IRS), 745 metal storage tanks, 567 ovens, 263 pits including the destruction of 50 wooden boats and 14 speedboats.
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The Naval boss while recounting its scorecard said: the expected NNS KADA will be commissioned on Friday 27 May, 2022 at the Naval Base, Apapa in an effort for another acquisition of LST.
“Recently, we have signed a contract with DEARSAN Shipyard of Turkey for the construction of 2 X 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). We are also in the process of taking delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to enhance our Maritime Surveillance/Domain Awareness assets including NN response capability, adding that the construction of SDB IV and V at Naval Dockyard Limited, is slated to commence in Lagos State.
Among this year’s NN week celebration, according to his statement, is special Jumu’ah Prayers and Inter-denominational Church Services are also programmed to hold in all naval establishments on 27 and 29 May respectively.
Meanwhile, the International Maritime Conference and Regional Maritime Exercise (IMCREMEX) was slated for 30-31 of May at the Onne Port Multi-Purpose Centre, Rivers State to enhance regional cooperation toward collective maritime safety.
Expectedly, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR will be the Special Guest of Honour with other personalities including seasoned resource persons, heads of navies as well as captains of industry and strategic stakeholders.
By PRNigeria
