The Nigerian Navy says it has substantially reduced crude oil theft in the country from 2.5 million barrels in January to about 900,0000 barrels from June this year.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, disclosed this in his office when he played host to the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC), Dr Joseph Dawha.
The Navy boss who noted that the rate of crude oil theft was high when he assumed office compared to what it is presently, attributed the successes recorded in curbing crude oil theft to constant patrol and surveillance of the nation’s waterways.
Jibrin, while lamenting the dangers and consequences of crude oil theft and illegal refineries on the environment aside the fact that it deprives the nation of its revenue, assured that, “We will continue to do our job until this theft is brought to an appreciable level to the extent that people will not show interest in it. The task is huge but it is surmountable”.
Speaking earlier, the NNPC Group Managing Director solicited the assistance of the Navy in tackling pipeline vandalism, crude and product theft and associated crimes of kidnapping/abduction of oil workers on the near shore, offshore and deep water.
He harped on the need to strengthen the close ties between the Nigerian Navy and the NNPC for the socio-economic growth and stability of the country, adding that peace and security were essential ingredients for the growth and prosperity of Nigeria.
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