The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products in Rivers State as part of intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
The recovery was made during an operation conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, a unit operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, on Friday.
According to an operational report issued by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the operation followed credible intelligence on illegal refining activities in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Folorunsho said naval personnel discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites during the operation.
He said the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil, bringing the total quantity of recovered petroleum products to about 33,800 litres.
The naval team also discovered 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums reportedly used for storing and processing the illegally obtained petroleum products.No arrests were made as the suspected perpetrators fled the area after sighting the naval personnel.
Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the Navy’s strategy of sustained surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted disruption of the infrastructure and networks supporting crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He quoted the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, as directing naval formations and units to sustain pressure on criminal networks operating in the Niger Delta.
Abbas charged personnel to deny criminal groups freedom of action, safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure and contribute to creating a secure environment for legitimate economic activities across the region.
The CNS also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime domain awareness, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies and host communities.
According to him, the efforts are aimed at protecting Nigeria’s energy resources, supporting increased crude oil production and strengthening the country’s economic security.
