Navy Denies Alleged Involvement Of CNS In Oil Bunkering

In response to a sponsored publication by Peoples Gazette, the Naval Headquarters has vehemently denied allegations against Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Emmanuel Ogalla.

According to a statement by the Director of Information,
Rear Admiral, Ayo Vaughan, the online publisher claimed that the CNS was involved in multi billion-naira oil bunkering and contract-splitting fraud.

The statement stresses that the Nigerian Navy categorically refutes these allegations, asserting that the claims of the CNS accepting over $170 million in bribes and engaging in contract splitting fraud are baseless and untrue.

It notes that procedural requirements for the arrest, detention, and release of vessels or individuals involved in maritime offenses have been strictly followed by the Naval headquarters, and no vessel implicated in crude oil theft has been released, contrary to the report.

It further explains that the CNS’s office clarified that it does not have the authority to award or oversee oil bunkering contracts, as this falls under the purview of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

It states that all contracts awarded by the Navy, followed due process in accordance with the laws of the Federation.

Highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft, the Navy underscored its commitment to legitimate businesses in the maritime domain.

It emphasises that Operation Delta Sanity, launched recently, serves as a robust roadmap to intensify efforts against illegal activities in the Nation’s maritime environment.

The statement acknowledges the coordinated efforts to tarnish the image of the CNS by certain elements feeling the pressure of the Navy’s renewed vigor in fighting oil theft.

It urges the public to disregard the malicious publication, attributing it to the shallow imagination of the writer, publishers, and their sponsors.

Emphasizing the importance of national security and the economy, the Nigerian Navy reassures the public that distractions would not deter its resolve to confront criminals and uphold justice.

The public is urged to reject the unfounded claims and remain confident in the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s interests.

PR/Aisha Adesanya