By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products from two illegal refining sites in Rivers State as part of sustained operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
The recovery was made on Friday, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence.
The naval operatives discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Recovered from the sites were 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil.
It also recovered 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums used for storing and processing the products.
The Navy said the suspected operators fled the area upon sighting the naval personnel.
The operation, according to the Navy, forms part of sustained efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft, illegal refining and the infrastructure supporting such activities in the Niger Delta.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, directed naval formations and units to sustain pressure on criminal networks involved in oil theft and illegal refining.
He said the efforts were aimed at denying the criminals freedom of action, protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and creating a safer environment for legitimate economic activities in the region.
The Navy added that it would continue to deploy maritime domain awareness capabilities, intelligence and collaboration with other security agencies and host communities to safeguard Nigeria’s energy resources and strengthen national economic security.
