In a meeting with the national leadership of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association led by its President, Capt. Olaniyi Labinjo (rtd.), at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has declared that any vessel caught lifting stolen crude oil would be decisively dealt with and treated as a saboteur of the nation’s economy
He appealed to the vessel owners to assist the Navy in curbing the illegal activities of the bunkerers who tarnishes the image of the hard working members of the association.
He stressed that the appeal became necessary in view of the fact that the Navy alone lacked the resources to cover the entire maritime domain, spanning 84,000 square nautical miles.
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The Navy Chief specifically urged the ship owners to support the Navy in the area of providing information that could aid the Navy’s efforts to curb maritime crime.
Ibas said, “At any given time, your ships and your members are out there at sea; you see quite a lot that we cannot see. It is therefore imperative that you assist us with the necessary information and intelligence that we need.
“While acknowledging that the majority of your members are carrying out legitimate business out there, like any other society, you still have some bad elements that are perhaps dragging your name back, dragging your reputation back.
“It is in this light that I will appeal to you as executive members of the association to warn your members, who try to undermine the state, to desist from such acts that are inimical to the development of our nation.
“Of course, we all know that any attempt to sabotage the country will be met with stiff penalties. I am talking with particular reference of crude oil theft and to state that any vessel belonging to whoever that is involved in this heinous act will be so treated as saboteurs.”
