The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a large wooden boat carrying approximately 90,000 litres of stolen crude oil off the coast of Araromi, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, May 15, was executed by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda, following credible intelligence regarding suspected illegal bunkering activities in the region.
The stolen crude oil was sourced from abandoned oil wellheads located offshore near Igbokoda and was reportedly being transported to Lagos when the naval team intercepted the boat. Upon spotting the naval personnel, the suspects on board the boat fled into the creeks aboard a speedboat, evading capture.
Despite the suspects’ escape, the Navy successfully recovered several key items from the intercepted vessel, including three pumping machines, a long discharge hose, and two high-powered outboard engines used for navigation.
All recovered equipment, along with the boat, have been processed according to Defence Headquarters regulations.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Igbokoda, Captain Aliyu Usman reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain and protecting critical national assets.
He highlighted that this operation is in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive to combat economic sabotage and ensure maritime security across the country.
