Navy seizes 35 illegal oil vessels in 7 months- CNS
Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), reported that the Nigerian Navy has apprehended over 35 vessels involved in oil theft over the past seven months. During a Maritime Stakeholders meeting in Abuja, Ogalla announced that these vessels were turned over to relevant prosecuting bodies.
He highlighted the Navy’s restructured operations, including the launch of Operation Delta Sanity in January, aimed at bolstering maritime security through enhanced surveillance, responsive actions, and law enforcement, alongside collaboration with maritime stakeholders.
Ogalla emphasized the Navy’s dedication to its duties, aiming to foster a secure maritime environment conducive to economic growth. He reassured that Navy operations would not obstruct legitimate business activities but would instead support operators by ensuring they can operate without hindrance.
The CNS stressed that security provision is crucial for business efficiency, and the Navy strives to avoid any disruption to legitimate operators through prompt investigations and corrections if needed. The goal is to enhance the ease of doing business by safeguarding operators from criminal activities.
The meeting aimed to address critical maritime and energy security issues, noting that Nigeria’s oil sector has faced significant challenges including violent agitations, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy. These issues are compounded by the proliferation of small arms, communal conflicts, poverty, and unemployment.
Ogalla underscored the need for updated security strategies, particularly with the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, and highlighted the Federal Government’s push to develop the Blue Economy with stakeholder support. President Bola Tinubu’s goal is to improve business conditions in the maritime and oil sectors.
Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), represented by Pipeline MD Folorunsho Karim, reported that Nigeria’s crude oil production currently stands at 1.6 million barrels per day, with a target of 2 million barrels by year-end. Kyari credited the Navy’s support for reducing oil theft and pipeline vandalism and expressed hope for achieving the production target with continued collaboration.
