The Nigerian Navy announced on Sunday that it has rendered a boat inactive, which was suspected of carrying stolen crude oil in Bayelsa.
During a press conference in Yenagoa, Commander Olushina Ojebode of NNS SOROH reported that the troops of NNS SOROH encountered six armed individuals in a speedboat at Gbaram community of Agbadam-Foropa while conducting a water patrol. The armed men attempted to attack the troops but were overpowered in the ensuing firefight, causing them to flee. As a result, two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, 133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other items were recovered from the armed men.
Furthermore, the commander stated that the troops discovered a wooden boat loaded with illicit crude oil products during an anti-crude oil theft operation in Southern Ijaw. The boat was deactivated in accordance with regulations and standard operating procedures.
Commander Ojebode emphasized the non-negotiable nature of combing the Bayelsa maritime environment to combat oil thieves, illegal refinery operators, and other criminal activities. He assured the Navy’s commitment to ensuring security in Nigeria’s maritime domain as mandated by Rear Admiral Ikechukuwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff. Ojebode warned those involved in illegal activities to reconsider their actions and seek legitimate means of livelihood, or else face the full force of the law.
The commander praised the troops for their bravery and professionalism, urging residents of the state to provide credible information about criminal elements to security agencies. Subsequently, he led a five-minute boat ride through the Epie Creek to Famgbe in Yenagoa, where the troops destroyed a local boat used for oil theft.
In a separate news item, President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja from Nairobi, Kenya, after participating in the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU). As the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Tinubu attended the meeting. Discussions at the Nairobi gathering focused on affirming Africa’s unity and strength while rejecting any new colonization of the continent. Tinubu also pledged to enhance the readiness of the ECOWAS Standby Force to deter coups and combat terrorism in the sub-region. He was warmly received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by prominent government officials, including Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, among others.
