The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has attributed reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime within its areas of operation (AOO) to the collective efforts of its personnel.
Speaking at a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Warri Naval Base, outgone Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, said despite the challenges during his tenure, achievements, which included destruction of illegal refining sites and arrest of sea robbers, were recorded.
Yahaya assumed office on May 2, 2023, as the 13th Commander of the NNS Delta.
He said NNS Delta also participated in clearance operations and exercises, in line with the base’s mandate of securing the maritime environment to enhance economic activities.
“I am happy to inform you that our collective efforts and commitment have brought about commendable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime.
“The base anti-crude oil theft operations have recorded success in the destruction of illegal refining sites in our areas of operations.
“During the period under review, the base destroyed illegal refining sites and storage facilities containing stolen crude oil and illegally-refined Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO).
“Furthermore, between May 2023 to date, the base patrolled for about 21,630 hours, resulting in the deactivation of illegal refining sites and handling of stolen crude oil,” he stated.
Yahaya said the anti-crude oil theft unit of the base apprehended suspects with offences bordering on crude oil theft and improper documentations, adding that some vessels were also apprehended and consequently handed over to the anti-graft agency and other relevant authorities for prosecution.
He said deployment of swamp buggies had discouraged the operations of illegal bunkering in its areas of operations.
“The last swamp buggy operations we conducted between August 20 and September 23, 2023 recorded about 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally-refined AGO.
“This is indeed a testament to the laudable performance of this base in the period under review.
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“For this, I am grateful to the dedication and commitment of officers and ratings of the base. I urge you to extend same and even more to the incoming commander,” he said.
The outgone commander expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government, military and para-military agencies within the NNS Delta areas of operations for their support throughout his stay, noting that the inter-agency cooperation and synergy had sustained peace in the area.
The incoming Commander, Commodore Muhsin Abba, urged NNS Delta personnel to discharge their duties in accordance with the mandate of the Navy.
“They should be disciplined, obedient, loyal and should not collaborate with anybody that undermines the economic activities of the country.
“As you know, oil is the mainstay of our economy and anything that will impede the production of oil within our areas of operations is going to be stopped. We will ensure the mandate is pursued to the best of our ability,” Abba said.
The ceremony featured the signing of handover note, lowering/hoisting of pennant, presentation of unit flag and inauguration of car park at the base.
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