The Naval Headquarters has raised concerns over fraudulent publications aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) relentless efforts to combat crude oil theft and other illegalities within the nation’s maritime domain.
In a statement by Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, the Director of Information, the Navy vehemently refuted the baseless allegations and clarified its ongoing operations.
The NN highlighted the insidious nature of these efforts, orchestrated by unidentified individuals or organizations, utilizing third-party agents to undermine the NN’s resolute stance against crude oil theft. The Navy, while typically disinclined to dignify such falsehoods, deemed it necessary to counter these publications to prevent the public from being misled.
Asserting its constitutional mandate, the NN assured unwavering dedication to enhancing maritime security in collaboration with stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels. The Navy clarified its engagement with private maritime stakeholders, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding critical onshore economic assets, provided strict adherence to professionalism and Standard Operating Procedures.
Citing its history of collaborations and various operations aimed at curbing maritime criminal activities, the NN outlined past and ongoing initiatives such as Operation DAKAR TA DABARWO, Operation CALM WATERS, Operation NCHEKWE OSHIMILI, and Exercise SEA GUARDIAN.
The statement underscored the NN’s significant achievements in combating crude oil theft throughout 2023, highlighting the arrest of suspects, confiscation of stolen crude oil and petroleum products, destruction of illegal refining sites, and the seizure of vehicles and vessels, amounting to over N105 billion. These operations, according to the NN, have contributed to the recent upsurge in oil production, as reported by relevant authorities and the media.
Addressing the orchestrated misinformation campaign, the NN attributed these efforts to criminal elements attempting to disrupt the Navy’s impactful crackdown on oil theft. Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan emphasized the Navy’s steadfast commitment under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s leadership and urged the public to disregard such unpatriotic publications.
The statement concluded by urging the public to reject these misleading campaigns and reiterated the NN’s determination to fulfill its constitutional obligations in safeguarding the national economy.