By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its crackdown on crude oil theft with the discovery and deactivation of 2 illegal refining sites in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, on behalf of the Nigerian Navy.
According to the statement, the latest operation led to the recovery of approximately 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs.
The Navy said the operation comes just days after the discovery and deactivation of similar illegal refining infrastructure within the same general area.
The recurring discoveries, according to the Service, highlight persistent attempts by economic saboteurs to reactivate illicit operations despite sustained enforcement efforts.
“The recurring discoveries underscore the effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained operational presence in identified hotspots, which continues to deny criminal elements the freedom to establish and maintain illegal refining networks,” Captain Folorunsho stated.
The Navy noted that by maintaining pressure on criminal enterprises, the Service is contributing significantly to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure* and the preservation of national economic interests.
Crude oil theft and illegal refining have remained major sources of revenue loss and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, prompting the Navy to intensify patrols and raids under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
“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,” the statement added.
Security analysts say the repeated interdictions in the ONELGA axis show that illegal refining networks are attempting to regroup, but are being frustrated by the Navy’s continuous dominance of the waterways and creeks.
