Navy Says Crude Theft, Maritime Crimes Reduced In Niger Delta

• NNS Delta Commander, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, notes a substantial drop in crude theft and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta during his tenure, citing collective efforts and successful operations.

• Yahaya highlights accomplishments, including the destruction of illegal refining sites and anti-crude oil theft operations that resulted in deactivating multiple sites.

• Expressing gratitude, Yahaya acknowledges support from Delta State government and agencies, emphasizing inter-agency cooperation as vital for peace and combating crimes.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta said on Tuesday there has been a noticeable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region.

Outgoing NNS Delta Commander Commodore Chindo Yahaya stated during his farewell parade at the Warri Naval Base that the negative trends “have reduced drastically in its areas of operations.”

Yahaya said he assumed office on May 2, 2023 and despite challenges, his tenure recorded successes including destroying illegal refining sites and arresting pirates and robbers.

“I am happy to inform you that our collective efforts and commitment have brought about a commendable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crimes,” Yahaya stated.

He added: “The Base anti-crude oil theft operations have recorded success in the destruction of illegal refining sites in our areas of operations. From May 2023 to date, the Base patrolled for about 21,630 hours, resulting in the deactivation of illegal refining sites.”

Yahaya remarked: “The last swamp buggy operations recovered a total of 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.”

He thanked the Delta State government, military and paramilitary agencies for their support and acknowledged inter-agency cooperation as a factor in sustaining peace.

Incoming NNS Delta Commander Commodore Muhsin Abba assured personnel will be encouraged to discharge duties in line with the Navy’s mandates.

Abba stated: “We will ensure that the mandate is pursued to the best of our ability.”