By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has sustained the operational momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, dismantling another cluster of illegal refining sites and recovering 43,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State.
In a statement issued by the Navy spokesman, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said troops acting on credible intelligence, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER conducted a targeted anti-crude oil theft operation within the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, leading to the discovery of four illegal refining sites.
He said the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 28,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 15,000 litres of suspected Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) concealed in dugout pits, reservoirs, and sacks. The illegal refining infrastructure was subsequently dismantled, while the recovered products were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The statement averred the latest operation marks another significant setback for criminal elements operating within the area, where illegal refining sites have repeatedly been re-established despite previous enforcement actions. The continued attempts to reactivate these facilities underscore the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to sustain their illicit enterprise. However, the Nigerian Navy has remained equally resolute in denying them the opportunity to regain operational footholds.
“By persistently targeting reactivated refining sites, the Nigerian Navy continues to degrade the operational capability of crude oil theft networks, disrupt illegal petroleum production, and protect Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure from economic sabotage.
“The Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle criminal networks, deny economic saboteurs freedom of action, and safeguard the nation’s maritime environment and economic interests”, he said.
