The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy revealed that it successfully prevented the theft of N95 billion worth of crude oil during its operations from April 2023 to February 2024.

The outgoing Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire, shared this accomplishment during a parade marking the end of his tour of duty in Calabar on Monday.

“The operations led to the deactivation of about 315 illegal refining sites and 399 wooden boats,” Oluwagbire explained.

He reported that the anti-crude oil theft operations resulted in the arrest of 13 vessels and 101 suspects engaged in various illicit activities, including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, and illegal fishing. Furthermore, the command seized substantial quantities of stolen goods.

“The operations led to the seizure of 571,740 barrels of crude oil, 47,250 metric tons of Automotive Gas Oil, 1,574 drums of Premium Motor Spirit, and 45 metric tons of Dual Purpose Kerosene, translating to over N95 billion at the current market value,” Rear Admiral Oluwagbire stated.

Under his leadership, the command achieved significant infrastructure development, including a 16-room self-contained accommodation for officers at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder and the renovation of senior officers’ mess and offices at the forward operating base, Bonny.

Expressing gratitude for the collective effort of the officers, ratings, and civilian staff, Rear Admiral Oluwagbire appealed for continued support for his successor, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande.