Africa’s biggest oil producer has long battled with crude oil theft, which has had detrimental effects on its economy and national security for years.
This activity involves the illegal extraction and smuggling of crude oil, vandalization of pipelines, and bunkering, resulting in significant revenue losses for the country and environmental degradation.
The Nigerian Navy is now assuring the people of Rivers State in South Nigeria of their readiness to keep maritime travellers who ply the state’s waterways safe during the festive period.
The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operations Base, Bonny Captain Reginald Adoki, made this known while parading the crew of the vessel MV Mother Cabrini, which was arrested for transporting suspected illegally refined diesel.
Setting off from the Forward Operations Base (F.O.B.) Bonny in Rivers State, the men and officers of the base took journalists to the Cawthorne Channel, where an arrested vessel, Mother Cabrini, is anchored.
The mother Cabrini and her 10-man crew have been arrested on suspicion of carrying an estimated 80,000 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel. The vessel’s captain speaks after their arrest.
Speaking with newsmen, the Commanding Officer of the Base, Captain Reginald ADOKI, said the product aboard the arrested vessel has been tested at a lab and confirmed to be below acceptable standards.
He also takes the opportunity to assure maritime travellers of the Navy’s resolve to guarantee their safety during the festive period.
The commanding officer also informed us that, upon the conclusion of investigations, the vessel and its crew would be handed over to the appropriate government agency for further investigations and subsequent prosecution.
SPEAKERS:
CAPTAIN SAHEED – CAPTAIN OF MOTHER CABRINI
CAPTAIN REGINALD ADOKI – COMMANDER F.O.B BONNY