Why Navy Won’t Stop Burning Vessels Ferrying Stolen Crude Oil – Flag Officer

Why Navy Won’t Stop Burning Vessels Ferrying Stolen Crude Oil – Flag Officer

Rear Admiral Umar Chugali, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, has provided an explanation for the Nigerian Navy’s practice of burning vessels intercepted with stolen crude oil.

He stated that the burning of such vessels is the Navy’s standard operating procedure (SOP) and is currently considered an effective measure to combat illegal activities in the maritime domain.

Read Also BREAKING: FG Loses Bid In Court Against Emefiele (DETAILS)

Chugali made this statement during a familiarisation tour of naval units in Warri, Delta State.

He clarified that the Navy operates within extant regulations and SOPs, and until an alternative approach is developed, burning the intercepted vessels remains the immediate response to prevent illegalities in the maritime domain.

This practice is not new, as the Nigerian Navy has previously set ablaze vessels with stolen crude oil during similar operations in the Niger Delta creeks.