Navy Decimates Illegal Refining Sites, Disrupts Oil Theft Syndicates In Rivers, Bayelsa States
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recording major operational successes through coordinated actions by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER and NNS SOROH.
Giving into the operations, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director Naval Information, in a statement informed that the personnel of NNS PATHFINDER, acting on credible intelligence, deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) patrol team comprising two gunboats with 20 personnel to conduct operations within the Ahoada West general area of Rivers State.
During the operation, the team uncovered and dismantled five illegal refining sites around Egboama-Ogbogolo community.
The sites contained approximately 15 dug-out pits, storage facilities, and reservoirs laden with an estimated 85,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil, as well as 78,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Further assessment revealed that the products were being sourced from a nearby wellhead located a few metres from the pits, although the operating company could not be immediately identified.
The illegal refining infrastructure and products were subsequently neutralised in line with established Anti-COT procedures.
Suspects fled the area upon sighting naval personnel, and no arrests were made.
In a related operation, personnel of NNS SOROH, also acting on credible intelligence, responded to the movement of suspected oil thieves towards the Soku Gas Plant pipeline corridor in Bayelsa State at about 1900 hours.
On arrival at the location, troops conducted a thorough search which led to the discovery of equipment used for illegal pipeline connections and oil theft, concealed within nearby bushes.
Items recovered include 10 jerrycans, a 3-inch red hose measuring approximately 300 metres, a 4-inch brown hose measuring about 200 metres, and a blue pipe of about 20 metres in length.
No suspects were apprehended, as the individuals are believed to have fled prior to the arrival of naval personnel.
All recovered items were handled in accordance with extant operational procedures.
These operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s sustained dominance and resolve in denying economic saboteurs freedom of action within the maritime and littoral environment.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend fleeing suspects, as well as dismantle associated criminal networks.
The Nigerian Navy remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical national assets and will continue to sustain aggressive operations to ensure that the maritime domain remains hostile to criminal elements and conducive for legitimate economic activities.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
