…intercepted 199,000 metric tons of stolen crude oil in 3 years
The Eastern Naval Command ENC of the Nigerian Navy says it has neutralized about 291 illegal refineries in the last two years and few months within the Commands water ways.
Within the same period, the command has equally seized 31,310 (thirty one thousand, three hundred and ten) 50kg of smuggled rice from suspected smugglers within the same water ways.
Rear Admiral David Adeniran retired, the out gone Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command ENC gave the information in his address at the parade ground of the NNS Victory in Calabar on yesterday when he was hosted to a colourful pulling out exercise to mark his formal retirement from service after 35 years of unblemished record.
The immediate past Flag Officer Commanding the ENC, further disclosed that during his tenure in the command from August 28, 2018 to January 4, 2021, the command was able to achieve over 18,166 hours in sea patrol and surveillance.
“We intercepted 199, 000 metric tons of stolen crude oil and seized 800 metric tons of illegally refined AGO. We dismantled 225 wooden boats of suspects and arrested 13 vessels, five vehicles and 707 suspects”.
Adeniran who said he was thankful to God and all the officers and men of the Command for the successes recorded under his leadership in the command noted that in the area of administration, the ENC has achieved nearly 100% electronic file management system.
“The electronic file management system entails paperless office operations and leads to smartness in service delivery and efficiency. It also helps in maximizing resources and serving time. The command is renounced as the smartest command in the service”, the retired FOC revealed.
He maintained that the major pirate syndicate who specializes in ransom negotiations was smashed, noting that it was a development which had obstructed and invariably check activities of piracy and sea robbers for several months now in ENC area of responsibility.
Adding, “We relentlessly did clearance operations on the camp of sea robbers and deprived the robbers of launching site for their nefarious activities in the command’s area of responsibilities”.
“The command was able to carry out its operations in the maritime space with cognisance of COVID-19 protocols; and had been involved in multi-agency operations like swift response, Delta Safe and other operations like “Bekanmong”.
The pulling out parade was witnessed by many dignitaries including host community leaders and sister service commanders and state government officials.
