The Naval Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee, Commodore Martins Fakrogha, has issued a warning to military personnel involved in crude oil theft, emphasizing that those aiding and abetting such activities should be prepared to face the severe consequence of dismissal.

Speaking to journalists in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Commodore Fakrogha acknowledged the historical involvement of military personnel in illegal oil activities but assured that such occurrences have significantly reduced under the current administration.

He conveyed the uncompromising stance of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, against any form of crude oil theft and indiscipline within the ranks. Fakrogha underscored the commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for crimes among officers and men.

“I will simply say that in every twelve, there is a Judas. Yes, some personnel are complicit, but like I told you, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) has zero tolerance for any form of crude oil theft and even indiscipline,” he stated.

The Commander urged vigilance within the Navy, emphasizing that anyone involved in oil theft is considered a “bad egg” and will be identified and removed from the service. He affirmed the absence of such incidents in the past six to nine months, attributing it to the stringent measures implemented by the current administration.

“I have not heard of any in the past six to nine months, but if there be any, they (the culprits) should know that they will be discovered and dealt with according to the law,” Commodore Fakrogha pledged.

Regarding the challenge of sea piracy, Fakrogha revealed proactive measures taken by Navy operatives to address the issue. He highlighted collaborative efforts with vessel owners, ship operators, and the state government to ensure security on waterways.

“There’s one thing we know about the Sea Pirates. Most of them live amongst us. They do come back to the land to take care of their business. How we are pursuing the Sea pirates is that from vessels doing business on Sea, we support them by providing escorts and patrols for them,” he explained.

The Naval Commander acknowledged challenges in covering the vast coastline and requested continued support from the government to enhance logistics, including fuel supply for operations.

Fakrogha also urged the government to reconsider granting licenses to oil bunkerers and illegal refinery operators, suggesting the possibility of legalizing their activities through modular refinery operations as a strategic approach to curb oil theft.

“If I were to advise Mr. President, I would encourage him to reopen the window, let people with the modular licences create these refineries, and maybe they will buy the crude legally and refine it. We can also man these oil Wells that have supposedly been abandoned,” the Naval Commander proposed.