Kehinde Fajobi
A wooden vessel carrying roughly 100,000 litres of illicit crude oil was apprehended by the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda.
The interception occurred along the Idiogba-Mahin coastline in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the base’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Usman, disclosed that the operation was based on reliable intelligence.
He noted that a Quick Response Team was promptly dispatched to the area.
“The team successfully intercepted a large wooden boat filled with about 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil,” Usman explained.
“We also recovered items commonly used for illegal oil activities, including discharge hoses and pumping machines.”
He further stated that the perpetrators abandoned the vessel and fled as the Navy approached.
“The vessel was secured, and samples of the crude oil were taken for laboratory analysis. The boat and its contents are being handled in accordance with established protocols,” he said.
In addition to the seizure, the Navy engaged with local residents, educating them on the hazards of supporting illegal oil operations.
The sensitisation efforts highlighted the environmental and security risks posed by such activities.