An estimated 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined automated gas oil were seized, said the navy.
According to him, on sighting the naval team, the suspects manning the boat fled into the creeks in an accompanying speedboat, evading arrest.
The navy also expressed its personnel’s readiness to support efforts to address security challenges nationwide whenever required.
Mr Akinwande noted that the annual shooting range exercise underscored navy’s unwavering commitment to operational readiness.
He added that approximately 8,660 litres of stolen crude oil were seized during the operation.
Mr Usman said the discovery was made possible through “a robust intelligence network” and the vigilance of naval personnel.
The commanding officer, Aliyu Abdullahi, said during the donation that the gesture was to promote waterway safety.
The navy spokesman said that a big wooden boat laden with 40,000 litres of crude oil was seized in Rivers State on March 8.
The chief of naval staff urged the residents to maintain the project for it to serve the desired purpose.
“We are here to ensure that the peace in this state will continue and extend to the whole country,” he said.
