The Minster of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, on Sunday night commended the Nigerian Navy for the steps taken to stop oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger-Delta.
Obada gave the commendation in Abuja at a reception in honour of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba.
The reception was organised by Ezeoba's Course 22 mates.
Obada said the navy had proved its worth by organising “Exercise FARAUTA to check illegal bunkering, oil theft and other forms of criminalities in our maritime domain''.
The Minster of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, on Sunday night commended the Nigerian Navy for the steps taken to stop oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger-Delta.
Obada gave the commendation in Abuja at a reception in honour of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba.
The reception was organised by Ezeoba's Course 22 mates.
Obada said the navy had proved its worth by organising “Exercise FARAUTA to check illegal bunkering, oil theft and other forms of criminalities in our maritime domain''.
She commended Ezeoba for leading other top naval officers on the exercise to put an end to the illegal practice.
“The exercise paid off and for the first time, in a very long while, the navy arrested about 10 to 12 vessels.
“After thorough investigation and interrogation of these thieves, three or four vessels were arrested and others were let go.
“This is a great development for our nation and the CNS has promised the President and I that the navy will, henceforth, patrol the Gulf of Guinea.
“This will stop these people from enjoying their stolen wealth,’’ she said.
Obada said the government had sent a very strong message to the oil thieves that it was no longer going to be business as usual.
She thanked the members of Course 22 for organising the reception for the CNS whom she described as a “fine gentleman''.
In her own comments, Sen. Chris Anyanwu, Chairperson, Senate Committee on Navy, commended the Navy for its efforts to stop the illegal activities in the nation’s maritime environment.
Anyanwu urged the government to make funds and platforms available for the navy to boost its opearions.
A member of Course 22, AVM Nicholas Spiff, Chief of Administration, Nigerian Air Force, said the reception was organised to honour the CNS as it was not every course that had the luck of producing a service chief.
Spiff said Ezeoba's elevation to the position of CNS was by hard work and perseverance and the endorsement of the Almighty God.
“Be rest assured of our unalloyed support as you lead the navy to greater heights,’’ he said.
Ezeoba thanked his course mates for honouring him, adding that his appointment was a testimony of faith and divine providence.
He promised not to let them down and to support them whenever he was called upon.
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