The Nigerian Navy has unearthed an illegal crude oil refinery with about 17,000 liters of what appears to be illegally siphoned crude oil in Delta State.
This was conducted within the framework of Operation Delta Sentinel based on intelligence of ongoing oil theft in the Ugbokodo Creek region.
The search conducted by NNS Delta in collaboration with airborne reconnaissance revealed nothing suspicious at first.
However, on a closer inspection of images from the drones, a large newly dug storage facility camouflaged under leaves, wooden planks and vegetation came to light.
After thorough investigation, it was found out that the site had been used as a temporary storage place in the process of organized oil theft, with a recovery of about 17,000 liters of crude oil.
According to naval officials, the discovery shows how oil thieves are becoming more and more efficient as far as their methods of operation are concerned, especially because of the increased efficiency of the use of intelligence and surveillance tools.
It is also noted that the recovered crude oil and the site were both dealt with according to established procedures, emphasizing the continued operations for securing critical resources.
In the same regard, the Navy reiterated its commitment to applying sustained pressure against oil theft syndicates operating in the Niger Delta region by emphasizing that intelligence gathering, coordination among security agencies, and cooperation from members of the community will continue to be vital components for disrupting such operations.
The Navy further appealed to members of coastal communities to give information to the relevant authorities in time.
