The Nigerian Navy has dismantled nine illegal refining sites in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, seizing approximately 175,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in a recent operation.
This was disclosed by the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
According to Aniaku, the operation was carried out on May 12 by the Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron Team, following credible intelligence on ongoing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the area.
“During the operation, our team uncovered two wellheads illicitly connected with pipes used to siphon crude oil to makeshift refining camps,” the statement read. “We dismantled the illegal connections and destroyed nine refining sites equipped with 45 ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 dugout pits.”
The Navy revealed that the illegal sites contained about 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 80,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and 33,000 litres of kerosene.
Aniaku noted that the products were treated in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, adding that no suspects were apprehended as the operators fled upon sighting the naval team.
“The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, remains resolute in the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, which continue to pose serious threats to Nigeria’s economy and energy infrastructure,” Aniaku stated.
He commended the personnel involved for their professionalism and bravery, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to securing the nation’s maritime assets.
