Operatives of the Nigerian Navy in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Council of Ondo State, have arrested five suspects and seized 42,000 litres of suspected refined petroleum products within the Igbokoda axis of the state.
The shipment of the product believed to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, was intercepted by the operatives of the Forward Operating Base (FOB).
The Commanding Officer of FOB Igbokoda, Capt. Andy Alemongwa, explained that the operation was based on an intelligence received by naval personnel at various locations, including the Awoye axis.
According to Capt. Alemongwa, the intelligence helped the operatives to track a vessel suspected of transporting illegally-refined products, as well as a fibre boat used in the operation.
The commander noted that the arrest was a testament to the Navy’s relentless efforts under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, whose command ethos ‘gives zero tolerance’ to crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
Alemongwa explained that both the federal and state governments intensified efforts to curb illegal petroleum dealings, particularly in riverine communities, through various initiatives, including vocational training programmes aimed at providing alternative livelihoods for youths.
He also highlighted the contributions of interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) alongside state-led programmes focused on community engagement and economic empowerment.
The naval commander urged residents to advocate against illegal activities, warning that security agencies remain resolute in enforcing the law.
He added that the operation underscored the importance of a ‘whole-of-society’ approach, noting that local informants and surveillance networks played a critical role in the successful tracking and arrest of the suspects.
Warning that individuals involved in illegal activities in the area would be apprehended, he stressed that security presence and intelligence operations had been significantly enhanced.
He appreciated the support from the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, which he described as a critical factor to sustaining the momentum of operations in the area.
