From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH under the Central Naval Command, has again discovered and deactivated illegally refined products in Bayelsa State.
The Navy in a cordon and search operation deactivated the illegally refined products between January 22, 2024 and January 29, 2024 at Diebu community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The Commander NNS SOROH, Commodore Olushina Ojebode, who stated this, disclosed that 17,000 litres of products suspected to have been produced from stolen crude oil in a sack bag, were recovered in a building in the community.
Ojebode who was represented by Capt. Suleiman Abdulahi, the Executive Officer NNS SOROH explained that the operation was in line with the Nigerian Navy’s Operation “Delta Sanity’’ set up to end oil theft and illegal bunkering.
According to him, the operation which is aimed at combating crude oil theft, oil bunkering and other sundry crimes within the nation’s maritime environment has so far recorded tremendous successes, particularly within Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH Area of operations.
sHe noted that the Navy’s patrol team deployed at Naval Security Station (NNS 030) while on patrol Zion Area of Ezetu Community, in Southern Ijaw, discovered about 20 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas, equivalent to four drums or 1,200 litres.
“Further patrol within the Gbaran community led to the interdiction of wooden boats conveying 275 sacks of illegally refined AGO equivalent to about 55 drums or 16,500 litres. All items recovered were handled with extant procedures on anti-crude oil theft.
“Similarly, on 23, January, at about 1135, a patrol team of NNS SOROH acted on credible intelligence and conducted operations around Sangana General Area where 30 sacks of illegally refined AGO equivalent 6 drums or 1,800 litres were discovered and handled accordingly.
“Further to the above on 29, January, NNS SOROH patrol team deployed at the Naval Security Station (NNS 030) while on patrol conducted cordon and search operation of a fishing camp around Atlas axis in Ezetu community.
“The team recovered and deactivated various items used in constructing illegal refining sites (IRS). Items recovered are 2 X pumping machines, 1 X generator, galvanizing pipes and various empty gallons and jerricans.
“Pertinently NNS SOROH and by extension the Nigerian Navy will continue to pursue its mandate towards ensuring a safe environment for legitimate businesses in the maritime domain,” he stated.
Ojebode said that the base will continue to carry out operations towards curbing oil theft as well as other maritime crime within its area of operations.