Oil Theft: Group Denounces False claims against Naval Chief
The Oil Producing States Progressives Association (OPSPA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the fight against crude oil theft and its collaborators
In a statement released on Monday, the emphasized the crucial role eradicating this illegal activity plays in stabilizing the Nigerian economy.
The group also condemned an online report alleging a campaign to smear the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, against effort to combat oil theft and bunkering activities in oil-producing states.
The statement signed by president of association, Tamunor Charles Wokn, noted that from 1,430,146 barrels per day in May 2023, the output surged to 1,572,315 barrels per day in September 2023, achieving the highest production for the year.
The statement read in part: “The administration aims to reach a daily production target of 2 million barrels, and the Oil Producing States Progressives Association believes this goal is under threat from those engaged in oil theft and economic sabotage.
”In December 2023, the Anti-Crude Oil Theft Patrol Team intercepted MT Vinnalaris with 15,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, leading to the arrest of 17 crew members.
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“The Nigerian Navy also intercepted MV Mother Gabrini attempting to take delivery of 15,237 metric tonnes of crude oil with fake documents in Bony, River State. Furthermore, the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Pathfinder destroyed a three-million-litre capacity illegal refinery in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
”Collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Tantita Security Services Limited, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp resulted in the arrest of a vessel with 15,775 litres of crude oil/illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“On January 18, 2024, the Nigerian Army uncovered an illegal refining camp with a capacity of 2.8 million litres of crude oil in Odagwa community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
”These efforts have contributed to an increase in crude oil production, reaching 1.6 million barrels per day in December 2023, leading to Nigeria being declared the Highest Crude Oil Producing country in Africa by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the statement read.
Meanwhile, pressure has been mounted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stage a probe against the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The group however noted that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in daily crude oil production, including condensates, adding that enemies of Nigeria are not happy with the achievements so far.
