The Nigerian Navy successfully intercepted a large wooden boat carrying approximately 90,000 litres of stolen crude oil off the coast of Araromi, in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, May 15, by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda, was based on credible intelligence about suspected illegal bunkering activities in the region.
Reports indicate the crude oil was illicitly sourced from abandoned offshore oil wellheads in Igbokoda and was being transported to Lagos before naval personnel intercepted the vessel.
Upon spotting the Navy’s approach, the suspects aboard the boat fled into the creeks using an accompanying speedboat, successfully evading capture.
Key items recovered from the intercepted vessel included three pumping machines, a long discharge hose, and two high-powered outboard engines used for navigation.
The boat and all seized equipment have been secured in accordance with Defence Headquarters regulations.
Captain Aliyu Usman, Commanding Officer of FOB Igbokoda, praised the operation and reiterated the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and critical national assets.
He emphasized that the mission aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive to combat economic sabotage and enhance maritime security across the nation.