By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating crude oil theft and other related crimes in the Maritime domain. Speaking with the journalist in Abuja , Vice Admiral Ogalla noted that the Nigerian Navy has acquired new platforms hence it’s poised to deal with oil theft and other criminalities in the Niger Delta region.
The CNS who emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, including communities, operators, and other security agencies stated that “We are making tremendous progress daily,”
He said, the Navy and the Armed Forces cannot achieve significant successes on the national security alone but the corroborative efforts of all stakeholders.
He expressed optimism that crude oil theft and other criminalities in the waterways will soon become a thing of the past with the acquisition of new equipment and the enhanced collaboration of other security agencies .“We are addressing oil theft, it would have been worse if we just sat down and did nothing. If you talk about collaboration, we can’t address oil theft alone.
“We need the collaboration of all stakeholders because our approach is in line with the modern concept of security which h is a “whole of society approach.”
“The Armed forces, the Navy cannot achieve national security alone without carrying everyone along and that is why we cooperate with the communities and stakeholders Including the operators in the field to be able to address this particular issue of oil theft but I think we are making tremendous progress every day,” he explained.
Vice Admiral Ogalla said the Navy’s approach aligns with the modern “whole of society” concept of security, recognizing that national security cannot be achieved alone.
He maintained that with over 12 ships patrolling the maritime environment and operational bases in the creeks, the Navy is actively destroying illegal refining sites and disrupting oil theft activities.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed determination to continue reviewing and improving operations to achieve greater success.
He said the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its fight against crude oil theft, ensuring the protection of the nation’s resources and economic interests.
Source: Facebook| Nigerian Navy
