By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products following an operation that uncovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites in Rivers State.
The operation was conducted on Friday by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, a unit of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in an operational report made available to journalists on Sunday in Abuja.
According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence received by the naval personnel, leading to the discovery of the illegal refining sites.
Folorunsho said the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil.
He said the recovered products brought the total quantity of petroleum products seized to about 33,800 litres.
The naval team also discovered 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums reportedly used for storing and processing the illegally obtained petroleum products.
No arrest was made during the operation as those allegedly involved fled the area after sighting the naval personnel.
Folorunsho said the latest operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the Navy’s strategy of sustained surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted disruption of facilities and networks linked to crude oil theft.
He quoted the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, as directing naval formations and units to sustain pressure on criminal networks operating in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the directive is aimed at restricting the activities of criminal elements, protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and creating a safer environment for legitimate economic activities across the region.
Abbas also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to using maritime domain awareness, credible intelligence and cooperation with relevant security agencies and host communities to strengthen ongoing efforts.
He said the measures were part of the Navy’s contribution to securing Nigeria’s energy resources, increasing crude oil production and strengthening national economic security.
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