TheCable

Nigerian Navy says it has seized about 64 million litres of petroleum products worth over N25 billion from oil thieves since it launched Operation Dakatar Da Barawo (OPDDB), also known as ‘Stop the Thief’.

A report had alleged that the navy was unwilling to halt the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta. 

But Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, spokesperson of the Nigerian navy, in a statement over the weekend, said the security agency was working to curb oil theft.

In April, the navy said it seized over N3 billion worth of petroleum products from oil thieves. 

“The navy has also reported regularly and given updates on its efforts in the media with over 10 press releases stating the tireless efforts of the Navy to deny oil thieves well over twenty-five billion naira (N25,000,000) worth of stolen crude oil and product,” Ayo-Vaughan said. 

Ayo-Vaughan further noted that the navy “recovered 23,110,102.59litres of AGO; 39,664,420.16 litres/230,882.73 barrels of crude oil; 649,775.38 litres of DPK; 345,000.49 litres OF PMS, 380,000 litres of sludge; and 66,000 litres of LPFO”.

He added that within the same review period, 278 illegal refinery sites (IRS) were destroyed and 85 suspects arrested — with 72 boats, 23 vehicles and tanker trucks impounded.