By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The Nigerian Navy (NN), in its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protect critical national resources and ensure the security of lives and assets has collaborated with the Ogun state government to secure an abandoned oil well situated at Oke-Agor-Isekun, a boundary community between Ogun and Ondo states, identified as a hotspot for criminal activities.
The commander Naval Base Epe (NB Epe), Navy Captain Solomon Ohunenese, in a statement said the move came when, on Saturday, 11 January 2025, Naval Base Epe (NB Epe) received credible intelligence from the Ogun State Government regarding abandoned oil well situated near the boundary between Ogun and Ondo States.
“Acting promptly on this report, NB Epe, in collaboration with officials from the Ogun State Government, conducted a joint visit to Oke-Agor-Isekun, the site of the abandoned oil well.
“Oke-Agor-Isekun, an island situated approximately 5 kilometers from Ondo State boundary, has been identified as a hotspot for criminal activities.
“Further intelligence revealed that the oil well, long abandoned by authorities, has attracted the attention of oil thieves and other criminal elements. The consequences of these activities are significant and highly detrimental to the economic prosperity of the country.
“The theft of crude oil not only deprives the government of vital revenue that could otherwise be channeled into socio-economic development but also results in environmental degradation due to oil spills caused by unregulated siphoning activities.
“These spills pose serious ecological risks particularly to the surrounding communities and the broader environment at large.
“Under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Base deployed a well-equipped team to promptly address the situation with a view to curtailing the excesses of the saboteurs.
“The deployment, involving 2 gunboats, included 10 armed personnel comprising 2 officers, 8 ratings, as well as 5 officials from the Ogun State Government.
“The team embarked on the operation, which took approximately 4 hours by boat from the Base to the remote island of Oke-Agor-Isekun. Upon arrival, the NN team immediately cordoned off the general area to establish security and prevent unauthorized access.
“This paved the way for officials from the Ogun State Government to conduct a detailed assessment of the abandoned oil well, evaluating both the extent of potential environmental damage and the risk posed by illegal activities.
“To ensure sustained security at the site, upon completion of the assessment by the government officials, the NB Epe has continued to maintain presence in the area, effectively deterring criminal elements and safeguarding the abandoned oil well.
“This proactive measure underscores the Navy’s dedication to protecting national resources, mitigating environmental damage, and fostering inter-agency collaboration to address security challenges.
“The NN wishes to use this opportunity to reassure citizens and maritime stakeholders of its steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime installations and waters.
“Through robust partnerships with local communities, government authorities, and international allies, the Navy continues to fulfill its statutory role in protecting lives, assets, and national resources.
“The operation at Oke-Agor-Isekun, is a testament to the guiding principles of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, whose command philosophy is: “To lead the NN with Integrity, courage and relentless pursuit for excellence through teamwork, discipline and human capacity buildings, whilst upholding highest standard and professionalism, ethics and respect for human right”.
“Furthermore, the decisive and timely actions taken in the operation are in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which seeks to drive economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria. By curbing illegal activities, protecting vital resources, and mitigating environmental degradation, the NN continues to play a pivotal role in fostering a secure and prosperous maritime environment.
“The Navy remains resolute in its mission and assures all stakeholders of its unwavering dedication to national security, economic progress, and environmental preservation.
“Regular updates on operations and achievements will be communicated to maintain transparency and build public trust”, Capt Ohunenese stated.
