The Nigerian Navy (NN) has responded to what it perceives as a malicious media campaign orchestrated by criminals and desperate individuals involved in crude oil theft. Rear Adm. Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, the Director of Naval Information, stated that these individuals and organizations were sponsoring unsubstantiated reports against the navy’s efforts to combat crude oil theft and other illegal activities in the maritime domain.
Ayo-Vaughan emphasized that the navy would continue its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and ensuring maritime security. He highlighted the navy’s collaborative efforts with maritime stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, and rejected the allegations made in the media campaign.
The spokesman for the navy provided details of recent operations against oil theft, including arrests, destruction of illegal refining sites, and confiscation of stolen crude oil and petroleum products. He reaffirmed the navy’s determination to combat oil theft in 2024, dismissing the media campaign as an attempt to distract the navy from its constitutional roles.
Ayo-Vaughan urged the public to disregard the “unpatriotic publications” and assured that the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, would not be deterred by propaganda in the media.
“Ordinarily, the NN would not have responded to such baseless assertions, but it has become necessary in order to prevent gullible members of the public from being misinformed by the erroneous publications.
“Suffice to state that the NN in the discharge of her statutory responsibilities as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the nation’s maritime security.
“It is on record that the NN has always worked harmoniously with all maritime stakeholders nationally, regionally and internationally.
“The coming onboard of Private Maritime stakeholders for the protection of critical onshore economic assets in the sole interest of the nation’s economy is a known development provided professionalism and Standard Operating Procedures are upheld strictly.
“Hence, it is complete fallacy to allege to the contrary via sponsored ill-conceived and uncorroborated publications,” he said.
