The Nigerian Navy has deactivated two illegal refining sites and recovered about 85,300 litres of suspected stolen crude oil products in a fresh operation in the Niger Delta.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, disclosed this on Thursday, saying the operation targeted a reactivated illegal refining network in Rivers State under Operation Delta Sentinel.
According to Folorunsho, the exercise was carried out within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, leading to the discovery and shutdown of two illegal refining sites linked to crude oil theft in the area.
“During the operation, personnel recovered approximately 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs,” he said.
He noted that the latest bust came days after the Navy deactivated similar illegal refining infrastructure in the same general area, pointing to repeated attempts by oil thieves to revive shut-down operations despite sustained enforcement.
Folorunsho said the recurring discoveries reflected the effectiveness of the Navy’s continued presence in known hotspots, which has denied criminal networks the room to establish or sustain illegal refining activities.
He added that by keeping up the pressure on these criminal enterprises, the Navy was helping protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and safeguard the country’s economic interests.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks, combating crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and energy assets through sustained operations under Operation Delta Sentinel,” he said.
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