By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Nigeria Navy has seized 1,400 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Agadagba, in Ese-Odo council area of Ondo State.

A locally fabricated wooden boat conveying the illegally refined petroleum products was intercepted in the council area by men of the Quick Response Team at Agadagba Naval Outpost in the council area under the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda.

The seized cargo, said to be approximately 1,400 litres of illegally refine oil was stored in 44 jerry cans.

Lieutenant Commander A.D. Morgan, the Base Operations Officer, Forward Operating Base Igbokoda, who led the team, said they acted on credible intelligence received through maritime security outlets.

Speaking on the development, the Commander of the Forward Operating Base Igbokoda, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, warned criminal elements to relocate from the state.

Usman said that “Perpetrators of economic sabotage and other criminal activities should desist immediately.

According to him “the Nigerian Navy remains committed to securing the maritime environment and eliminating illegal operations.”

The commander said that the seized wooden boat and its contents would be handled and deactivated in line with existing regulations and directives from the Defence Headquarters.

“This operation serves as a strong warning to all criminal elements that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts to combat all forms of illegal activities and protect critical national assets.

Meanwhile, the Navy has commended Tantita Security Services and Gallery Security Services for their swift and credible intelligence.

This according to the Navy “has significantly contributed to the fight against crude oil theft and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s maritime environment.