The Nigerian Navy says highly organised and sophisticated criminal syndicates are behind the persistent theft of crude oil and illegal refining activities across the country’s waterways.
The Navy’s Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, made this known on Thursday, stressing that the scale of crude oil theft requires significant resources, coordination and maritime capability.
Folorunsho said the volume of crude being stolen in some operations makes it difficult to describe those involved as petty criminals, noting that large-scale theft often involves ships and specialised equipment.
He explained that the huge financial gains associated with successful crude oil theft have encouraged criminal groups to pool resources and invest in equipment needed to execute their operations.
The Navy’s position came shortly after it announced a fresh operational success in its campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Navy said its personnel uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites and six reservoirs in Rivers and Delta states.
The operation also led to the recovery of about 99,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
The Navy said it would sustain and intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other criminal activities along the nation’s waterways.
Folorunsho attributed the recent successes to increased investment in maritime security, including the acquisition of advanced surveillance equipment by the Federal Government.
He maintained that the enhanced surveillance capability is making it increasingly difficult for criminal elements involved in oil theft to evade detection.
The Navy also warned that it would continue to pursue those involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining, with arrested suspects expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.
