By Ayodele Oni
The Nigerian Navy, (NN) has shed light on its policing role in the country’s waterways just as it goes not to be deterred by series of allegation of bribery scandal against the force.
Director of Information, Rear Admiral Ayo Vaughan disclosed through his press statement on Saturday that the policing roles of the Navy empowered it to monitor the maritime domain of the Nation. These among others include the arrest of vessels that contravene any of the maritime laws and SPOMO Act 2019.
The statement explained that “The Service is aware of the coordinated frantic efforts to blackmail the office and person of the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) by some elements who are feeling the heat of the Nigerian Navy’s renewed vigour to fight crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain as well as those who have in one way of the order shortchanged the Navy before now.
“Specifically, the continuous rejuvenated operations towards curbing oil theft have given the oil thieves sleepless nights hence the decision to engage in the malicious publications.
“It would be recalled that the Nigerian Navy recently launched OPERATION DELTA SANITY which provided for a holistic, more robust roadmap towards the reinvigorated stance of the NN towards the fight against crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the Nation’s maritime environment.
“Indeed, the NN is aware of these antics as it is expected considering the current resolve of the NN to engage oil thieves head on. The cartel hitherto believed no individual could confront its ranks.
“Fortunately, the recent achievements of the NN in this regard have put them on their heels hence the resort to cheap blackmail.
“Pertinently, the NN will continue to ensure legitimate businesses in the maritime domain thrive seamlessly. Also, these distractions will in no way retract the NN’s resolve to confront these criminals who must be brought to justice for Nigeria’s economy to rebound.
“The security and economy of the Nation is greater than any group of persons that think they must continue to drain the country.
“Accordingly, members of the public are therefore enjoined to discountenance completely the malicious publication because it is totally untrue and completely baseless.”
 has shed light on its policing role in the country's waterways just as it goes not to be deterred by series of allegation of bribery scandal against the force.){kind=link}