In Rivers State, the Nigerian Navy has seized 53,000 litres of petroleum products and demolished two illicit refineries as part of its stepped-up campaign against illicit bunkering and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who is in charge of naval information, stated that the operation proved the Navy’s resolve to continue pressing economic saboteurs responsible for illicit bunkering and crude oil theft.
He added that on November 11, in response to intelligence information of illicit petroleum activities in the region, the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Pathfinder, and its personnel carried out an operation in the Okarki community of Ahoada West Local Government region as part of Operation Delta Sentinel.
Eight dugout pits and multiple storage containers were found by the naval team. The crude oil and diesel, which are both illegally refined, were both estimated to hold 23,000 and 30,000 litres, respectively.
The following steps were taken with the facilities and recovered petroleum products in accordance with established protocols to combat crude oil theft.
The operation did not result in any arrests, nevertheless, because the individuals being sought allegedly escaped the scene before the navy troops could reach them.
There is a persistent danger to government revenue and petroleum output from illicit oil refining networks in the Niger Delta, and the most recent seizure is just the latest blow to these networks.
Three illicit refining stations were located and shut down in the same vicinity during a previous raid by NNS Pathfinder on October 10, which is also followed by this operation.
These two operations in quick succession highlight the Navy’s stepped-up intelligence-led effort to destroy illicit refinery facilities and cut off criminal networks’ supply of petroleum.
Continuing activities under Operation Delta Sentinel will continue to preserve Nigeria’s economic interests, ensure the nation’s crude oil output, and protect vital oil and gas infrastructure, he said.
The magnitude of illicit petroleum operations in Rivers State and the security issues faced by attempts to safeguard oil-producing communities and vital energy infrastructure are once again brought to light by the recovery.