The Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, has disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering approximately 85,000 ltrs of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Folorunsho, the operation was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the continued activities of criminal elements within the area.
“The operation led to the discovery of three illegal refining sites containing eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs laden with approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO.
“The illegal refining sites and recovered products were subsequently handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures,” he said.
The navy spokesman noted that the operation came barely two weeks after NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same general area on Aug. 3.
“The repeated disruption of illegal refining activities in the area reflects the navy’s sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from regaining operational footholds and rebuilding illicit refining infrastructure.
“The continued operational pressure is also yielding positive results, with a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the area.
“This demonstrates the growing impact of sustained naval action in degrading the activities of crude oil theft and illegal refining networks,” he said.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to protecting critical national assets, disrupting illegal petroleum supply chains and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and safeguard national economic interests.
