Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee commander, Ikot Abasi, has called for closer collaboration with other security agencies to ensure improved operations.

Mr Fakrogha, who made the call while speaking to journalists in Ikot Abasi on Thursday, said that the navy also needed reliable, intelligent information from the public.

He said the fight against illegal oil bunkering would be more effective with military collaboration and public support. He added that the navy “needs this synergy to improve its operations” and “is necessary for greater results.”

Mr Fakrogha said that NNS Jubilee had successfully fought oil theft, smuggling and illegal bunkering within its operational area.

He said that recently, personnel of the navy ship arrested eight persons with 30,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

Mr Fakrogha said, ”They were in a boat carrying four plastic tanks loaded with products suspected to be stolen crude oil. We have also destroyed 14 boats carrying illegally refined crude oil during the year.”

The commander said NNS Jubilee had remained a strong part of Operation Delta Sanity, currently tackling oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region.

He said, “We have achieved great results by working together. I must tell you that nothing beats the power of collective effort.”

(NAN)