Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have confiscated a boat carrying 90,000 litres of stolen oil at the coastal community of Araromi in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), in Igbokoda, Capt. Aliyu Usman, who disclosed this on Sunday, said the suspects sailing the boat immediately fled into the creeks after sighting the Naval personnel.

Usman said his men, who are manning the riverine area of the state, were able to clamp down on the wooden boat laden with crude oil following credible intelligence on the activities of illegal oil bunkers using the waterside.

‘Navy personnel recovered key items from the intercepted vessel, including three pumping machines, a long discharge hose, and two high-powered outboard engines used for navigation.

‘The boat and all recovered equipment have since been processed in line with extant defence headquarters’ regulations,’ he said.

According to him, an investigation carried out by the intelligence formation of the Navy showed that the crude oil was illegally sourced from an abandoned oil well heads offshore in Igbokoda and en-route to Lagos State.

Usman, however, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime domain and safeguarding critical national assets.

He said the operation was in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at curbing oil theft, economic saboteurs, illegal refining and ensuring maritime security.

In February 2025, the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, intercepted a locally fabricated wooden boat conveying about 1,400 litres of illegally refined oil stored in 44 jerry cans at Ese Odo LGA of the state.