THE CABLE
The Nigerian Navy has reacted to allegations by Asari Dokubo, ex-Niger Delta militant leader, that some cabals in the military are involved in oil theft in the region.
Speaking with reporters after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Friday, Dokubo had said the army and navy top brass know those behind the widespread oil theft in the delta.
Dokubo also alleged that military personnel often intimidate officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who are supposed to protect the oil pipelines.
Reacting in an interview with NAN, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, director of naval information, said the Nigerian military, and the navy in particular, had been at the forefront of the battle against crude oil theft at all levels in the country.
“You remember the case of MT HEROIC IDUN that was made to pay fines to the Nigerian government after they were arrested and brought back from Guinea Bissau, Malabo Island and made to face court orders,” he said.
“It demonstrated the will of the navy to go as far as even beyond our waters to arrest a ship that attempted to load without license, without due approval in April last year.
“I was there physically on board one of our ships at FOT in Onne when the navy launched Operation Dakatarda Barawo, which means stop the thief in Hausa language.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN THE CABLE
