Navy Vows To Upscale War Against Oil Bunkering

The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment towards intensifying the fight against illegal oil bunkering, protecting offshore oil installations, and safeguarding the nation’s critical maritime economic assets.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder commander, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, gave the assurance during the command’s fourth quarterly route march in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The exercise, which involved an 8-kilometre march, is part of the Nigerian Navy’s broader strategy to maintain operational readiness and enhance its personnel’s efficiency and physical fitness.

The initiative, spearheaded by the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aligns with the navy’s mandate of securing Nigeria’s maritime domain. This domain is vital to achieving economic stability through the protection of the oil and gas sector.

Commodore Aniaku highlighted the navy’s role in ensuring the safe and uninterrupted production of crude oil, which accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’s revenue.

According to him, the navy’s ongoing operations have contributed to a recent surge in daily crude oil production, which now stands at 1.8 million barrels per day.

Aniaku said: “This exercise is designed to keep our personnel physically fit and motivated to carry out their duties effectively. Our current efforts have contributed significantly to increasing crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day. With sustained commitment, we are optimistic about achieving the target of 2 million barrels per day by the end of the year.

“The navy’s operational success has been instrumental in restoring investor confidence in the Nigerian oil sector, which has faced significant challenges from oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy.”