The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, located in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard vital oil infrastructure in the region.
During the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, Rear Admiral M.B. Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, highlighted the strategic importance of the new base in addressing oil theft and criminal activities within the Niger Delta.
He explained that the base’s proximity to oil fields in Ondo State makes it crucial in curbing illegal operations.
“For years, criminals have exploited these areas as safe havens after stealing oil, necessitating our presence to bring such activities to a halt,” Hassan said, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to intensifying operations along critical oil corridors to secure the nation’s oil wealth.
He also commended Captain M.W. Alushe, Commanding Officer of FOB Igbokoda, for his leadership since his appointment in October 2023. Alushe led the successful arrest of “MT Vanilia” in Lagos last year, a significant victory in the fight against illegal oil bunkering.
The event also marked notable infrastructural improvements at the base, including an expanded Sick Bay from a 2-bed to an 8-bed facility with modern equipment, renovations to barracks and schools, and the construction of new security observation posts.
Hassan praised the base for maintaining a high level of professionalism, stating that these upgrades reflect the collective dedication to enhancing security in the region.
Traditional rulers, members of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), and heads of other security agencies were present at the event, all pledging continued cooperation with the Nigerian Navy to maintain peace and security in Ondo State.
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