The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its efforts to fight crude oil theft and illegal refining, which resulted in the discovery of three suspected refining sites and the gathering of about 99,000 litres of oil, believed to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers and Delta states.
These discoveries happened during operations by NNS SOROH and NNS DELTA, recently has revealed operations followed intelligence about suspected petroleum activities in the oil-producing communities.
The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, signed a statement in which the Navy said that its personnel also found six reservoirs and several pieces of refining equipment.
The Navy found a large refining oven, storage facilities and dugout reservoirs that held suspected stolen oil.
Captain Folorunsho said the operations disrupted oil thieves and illegal refiners.
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“I feel proud that the Navy targeted the facilities and infrastructure that were used to steal, process and store petroleum products.”
Captain Folorunsho added that the recovered products and discovered facilities are being handled according to established procedures.
The Navy said that these operations are part of its effort to dismantle illegal refining networks. “I appreciate the Navy’s aim to keep criminals from accessing infrastructure used for crude oil theft and illegal petroleum processing.”
The Navy also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas resources and supporting efforts to stop activities that threaten the country’s economy and environment.
These latest operations come while concerns about crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta remain high, and authorities say these problems are still challenges for Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
