Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), has revealed that some naval personnel are collaborating with crude oil thieves.
Gambo who made the disclosure on Wednesday, while decorating 30 newly promoted Rear Admirals, said some officers collaborate with criminal elements to sabotage the efforts of the Nigerian Navy at curbing illegal bunkering and crude oil theft in the country.
He, therefore, urged the newly decorated officers to rededicate themselves to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Gambo said the Navy had recorded some achievements in the fight against crude oil theft. He also warned that any personnel caught sabotaging the measures that have been put in place by the navy will meet a stiff penalty and the wrath of the law.
“There are pockets of personnel still colluding with criminals to sabotage these efforts. Let me, therefore, warn that any act of collision with criminals to sabotage measures emplaced to check illegality will be made to face sanctions in accordance with the laws of the land,” he said.
“Note that as leaders of the service, you are expected to be above board, and ensure that subordinates equally buy into the zero-tolerance stance of the Nigerian Navy against all forms of illegalities and criminalities at sea and ashore.”