The Nigerian Navy has attributed the recent improvement in crude oil production to its sustained operations against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, made this known during a farewell parade held in his honour on Friday in Calabar.
He noted that the command, which operates across 13 states, had significantly curbed crude oil theft, pipeline sabotage, and other maritime crimes.
“Aside from being the FOC Eastern Naval Command, I was privileged to be assigned as Commander Task Group Operation Delta Sanity 2 by the Chief of Naval Staff,” he said.
“The operation, launched on 30 December 2024, aimed to address the threat posed by oil thieves, vandals, and economic saboteurs.”
According to Akinwande, the operation has delivered tangible results in securing the nation’s maritime domain and boosting oil output.
“As of June this year, OPEC reported that Nigeria was the highest crude oil producing nation in Africa, with production reaching about 1.6 million barrels per day,” he stated.
He attributed the success to the efforts of personnel under his leadership, and the support provided by the Chief of Naval Staff.
“These accomplishments stand as testament to the dedication of every officer and rating who served under this command during my watch,” he said.
“Your collective wisdom, expertise, and commitment to duty created the enabling environment for our achievements.”
Akinwande urged officers to extend the same support to his successor.
The command’s area of responsibility includes a 110-nautical mile coastline and a maritime space covering approximately 22,000 square nautical miles, reaching into the Joint Development Zone with Equatorial Guinea and the coasts of São Tomé and Príncipe.
(NAN)