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The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products and deactivated two illegal refining sites in Rivers State as part of sustained operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
The operation, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, followed credible intelligence on illegal refining activities at Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
Navy spokesman, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who disclosed this in a statement, said the operation was carried out at the weekend.
According to him, the naval personnel recovered approximately 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil.
The total quantity of petroleum products recovered was put at 33,800 litres.
The Navy also discovered 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums allegedly used for the storage and processing of illegally refined petroleum products.
The suspected operators of the illegal refining sites, however, fled the area after sighting the naval personnel.
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The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
The Navy said the operation further demonstrated its strategy of using intelligence-led surveillance and targeted operations to identify and dismantle infrastructure supporting oil theft and illegal refining.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed naval formations and units to sustain pressure on criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining.
According to the Navy, the directive is aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action, protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and creating a more secure environment for legitimate economic activities in the Niger Delta.
The Navy said it would continue to deploy maritime domain awareness capabilities, intelligence and collaboration with other security agencies and host communities to sustain operations against oil-related crimes.
It added that the ongoing efforts were part of its contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s energy resources, supporting increased crude oil production and strengthening national economic security.
