By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigerian Navy has said the coming onboard of private maritime stakeholders  to protect critical onshore economic assets in the interest of the nation’s economy was a move it would support as long as they abide by standard operation procedures, SoPs.

Director of Naval Information, Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, who made the pledge in a statement, titled “Malicious Media Campaign Against The NN’s Renewed Fight Towards Eradicating Crude Oil Theft and Other Illegalities in Nigeria’s Maritime Domain,” yesterday, said: Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, stated that the service has been combating oil theft and safeguarding the nation’s economic assets collectively with legitimate stakeholders.

The statement partly read:“It is on record that the NN has always worked harmoniously with all maritime stakeholders nationally, regionally, and internationally.

“The coming on board 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 a complete fallacy to allege the contrary via sponsored, ill-conceived, and uncorroborated publications.

The Nigerian Navy’s comment came after an allegation by a group, Ohaneze Think Tank, alleging that naval personnel have been hampering the smooth operations of the private security agencies on the waterways.