The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, announced that the Nigerian Navy has apprehended more than 35 ships engaged in oil theft within the nation’s waters.
These vessels have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting authorities.
During a Maritime Stakeholders meeting in Abuja, Ogalla emphasized the Navy’s commitment to ensuring maritime security through initiatives like Operation Delta Sanity, established in January. He assured stakeholders that the Navy’s operations would support and not hinder legitimate business activities, promoting economic prosperity and the ease of doing business.
Ogalla highlighted the Navy’s role in combating complex security challenges such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy, driven by issues like poverty and unemployment. He called for collaborative efforts to address emerging security issues and support the Federal Government’s Blue Economy initiative.
Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of NNPCL, reported that crude oil production now stands at 1.6 million barrels per day, with a target of reaching 2 million barrels by year-end, thanks to the Navy’s support in reducing oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
