In a significant crackdown, personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, have dismantled eight illegal refining sites at Awoye and Oge-Bioku axis in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This operation effectively disrupted the activities of crude oil thieves and illegal oil bunkering in the region.
The exercise was part of Operation Delta Sanity 2, which aims to combat criminal activities such as crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
Navy Captain Wasuku Alushi, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, detailed the operation during a press briefing in Igbokoda.
He noted that this effort builds on the success of Delta Sanity 1, which commenced on January 10th under the direction of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Okala.
“Today’s mission is a continuation of our mandate under Operation Delta Sanity 2, aimed at eradicating crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering,” Captain Alushi stated.
“We discovered six illegal refining sites around Awoye and two near Oge-Bioku, all of which were deactivated today.”
Captain Alushi observed that the criminals have adapted their tactics, moving deeper into the creeks to evade capture.
However, the Navy has also adjusted its strategies, ensuring effective surprise attacks and continued pressure on these illegal operations.
“We are relentless in our efforts to clear our area of operations of these criminal elements,” he affirmed.
“We will work closely with partners, traditional rulers, and the local community, who have been instrumental in providing us with valuable intelligence.”
In his closing remarks, Captain Alushi warned the criminals to cease their activities.
“We will deploy all available resources to ensure they face the consequences of their actions,” he warned, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to ending crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the region.
Leave a Reply