The Nigerian Navy has vehemently refuted a series of false allegations circulating in the media, accusing the Navy of engaging in crude oil theft and illegal activities within the nation’s maritime domain.
In a Press releaseRear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, Director of Naval Information, highlighted the malicious intent behind these accusations and clarified the Navy’s steadfast commitment to eradicating such criminal activities.
The Navy expressed concern over the orchestrated efforts by certain individuals and organizations to disseminate fraudulent and unsubstantiated publications through mainstream media and online platforms.
The release revealed a deliberate strategy to employ third-party agents to discredit the Navy’s intensified efforts against crude oil theft.
While acknowledging that the Navy typically refrains from responding to baseless claims, Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan emphasized the necessity of addressing these assertions to prevent the misguidance of the public.
He underscored the Navy’s unwavering dedication to its constitutional responsibilities for the nation’s maritime security.
The press release highlighted the Navy’s collaborative approach with maritime stakeholders nationally, regionally, and internationally. It refuted claims that private maritime stakeholders, engaged for onshore asset protection, deviate from professionalism and standard operating procedures, terming such allegations as complete fallacies.
Drawing attention to the Navy’s leadership role in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment, the release detailed past and ongoing operations designed to combat maritime criminalities, including oil theft. Notable operations mentioned include Operation DAKAR TA DABARWO, Operation CALM WATERS, Operation NCHEKWE OSHIMILI, and Exercise SEA GUARDIAN.
Providing concrete evidence of the Navy’s effectiveness, the press release disclosed significant achievements in 2023, including the arrest of 23 ships, over 233 suspects, and the destruction of 703 illegal refining sites. It reported the confiscation of over N105 billion worth of crude oil and petroleum products, with appropriate prosecuting agencies holding all arrested suspects.
The Navy attributed the recent media attacks to criminals involved in oil theft, feeling the impact of the Navy’s relentless fight against the menace. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s leadership was highlighted as resilient in the face of misguided propaganda, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to its constitutional roles for the national economy.
Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan urged the public to dismiss these unpatriotic publications and assured ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft in 2024 with renewed vigor.
Babatunde A.