Troops belonging to the Nigerian Navy engaged in Operation Delta Sanity have successfully dismantled three illegal oil refining sites located in the states of Rivers and Bayelsa.
According to the Navy’s report, its vessel named Soroh uncovered and disabled one of the illegal refining sites at Eduwuini 11 in Bayelsa State on February 11. This site was equipped with two reservoirs, three drums, empty sacks, and two ovens containing approximately 4,000 liters of crude oil. Additionally, a small boat suspected of transporting illegally refined kerosene was also discovered.
“On February 11, 2024, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH discovered and deactivated an active illegal refining site at Eduwuini 11, Bayelsa State. The site contained two reservoirs, three drums, empty sacks, two ovens holding about 4,000 liters of crude oil, and a small boat suspected of transporting illegally refined kerosene,” the Navy disclosed via its social media channels.
Similarly, another Navy vessel, Pathfinder, uncovered and destroyed two illegal refining sites in Lelema, Rivers State, on Saturday. These sites were equipped with cooking pots and ovens used for illegal refining operations.
“Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder discovered and dismantled two illegal refining sites equipped with cooking pots and ovens at Bokokiri-Lelema of KE Community, Rivers State, on Saturday, February 10, 2024,” the Navy revealed.
In Ondo State, jerry cans containing illegally refined petroleum products were discovered by the navy’s Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, in the Mahin riverine area of Ilaje. The operating base neutralized over 330 liters of the illicit product.
Earlier reports from The PUNCH highlighted the arrest of a motor tanker, SAISNIL II, by the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, allegedly involved in crude oil theft in Lagos State. The vessel, flying the flag of St. Vincent & Grenadines, was intercepted with 11 crew members onboard. The vessel had been initially traced from Lagos anchorage to the Taraba Jetty in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where it was allegedly involved in the evacuation of approximately 720,000 liters of crude oil sludge on November 23, 2023.
Rear Admiral MB Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, emphasized the importance of combating such illegal activities. The vessel’s suspicious maneuvers, including manipulation of its Automatic Identification System, led to concerns about illegal operations, prompting the deployment of NNS Sokoto to intercept and return the vessel to Lagos anchorage.
