The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, recording significant operational gains through coordinated offensives by Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER and NNS SOROH.
The development is part of the ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s economic assets and restore security in the region.
In a statement, the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho stated 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.
Folorunsho said that “during the operation, the team uncovered and dismantled five illegal refining sites around Egboama-Ogbogolo community.”
He noted that 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,” he stressed.
Suspects fled the area upon sighting naval personnel, and no arrests were made.
In a related operation, the 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.
According to him, 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,” he added.
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
