By Hauwa Ali
The Nigerian Navy has revealed that it has recovered N25 billion worth of stolen products through the ongoing operation dakatar da barawo (stop the thief) since it was launched in April.
The operationinstituted to curb crude oil theft, is in synergy with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
It is recalled that recently, the Nigerian Navy said it has handed over 70 out of 147 vessels arrested over illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Navy spokesman Commodore Ayo-Vaughan said the entire naval assets and personnel in the Niger Delta have continually and vigorously fought the oil theft menace as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff.
“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 N25 billion worth of stolen crude oil and product,” he said.
He said naval operatives also destroyed 127 illegal refinery ovens, 102 illegal refinery large pits, 148 illegal refinery storage tanks while they recovered 41 outboard engines, 35 pumping machines.