The Nigerian Navy says Troops of Operation Delta Sanity have successfully deactivated 41 illicit refining sites and seized stolen crude oil and other products valued at N8.6 billion within a span of three weeks.
The Director of Naval Information,Rear Adm. Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The operation, according to Ayo -Vaughan aimed at combating oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in Nigeria’s maritime environment, saw the deployment of various Nigerian Navy platforms. Between February 5 and February 22, a total of 51 wooden boats and three fiber boats were apprehended. Additionally, 104 illegal refining ovens, 85 reservoirs, and 288 dugout pits were destroyed as part of the mission.
The seized items included approximately 60,815.77 barrels of crude oil valued at N8.1 billion, 557,580 liters of gas worth N497.4 million, and N5.5 million worth of kerosene. The cumulative value of the recovered items amounted to N8.6 billion, preventing potential threats to national security and prosperity.
The spokesman said during the three weeks, specific operations were conducted by naval bases . -The Forward Operation Base (FOB) FORMOSO in Bayelsa, on Feb. 19, conducted operations around Brass River, Akassa, Lagosgbene, Tebidaba, and Oyeregbene general areas. An illegal refining site and two wooden boats carrying 62.9 barrels (10,000 liters) of suspected stolen crude oil were discovered, dismantled, and towed to a safe location.
FOB ESCRAVOS, on Feb. 19, conducted anti-crude oil theft operations around Aghor-Kutu Community in Warri Southern Local Government Area of Delta. The team uncovered one illegal refining site, three ovens, one reservoir, one pumping machine, 10 jerricans, and 38 drums laden with 195.9 barrels (31,150 liters) of suspected stolen crude oil. The site was dismantled, and the seized products were handled appropriately.
NN Ship PATHFINDER, between Feb. 20 and Feb. 22, conducted operations around Abuloma, Abonnema, Woji, and Taraba jetty in Borikiri, Rivers. The team raided a car wash suspected of storing illegally refined products and discovered one illegal refining site, seven ovens, 60 drums, and two reservoirs containing about 120,000 liters of suspected illegally refined gas.
These successful operations reflect the commitment of Operation Delta Sanity to curbing illicit activities and securing Nigeria’s maritime environment from threats to national security and prosperity.
