Illegal refining site: Nigerian Navy arrests five suspects in Rivers
In a continuing effort to clamp down on crude oil theft and illegal refining operations, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER made a significant discovery on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
As part of Operation DELTA SANITY, naval forces located and dismantled a large illegal refining site within the Ogoloma Creek in Rivers State.
The site was found to be operating with numerous metal and plastic drums used for refining crude oil that had been illegally siphoned from wellheads in the area.
The operation, carried out by NNS PATHFINDER’s special task force, was launched after credible intelligence pinpointed the location of the illicit site.
Upon arrival at the creek, naval personnel discovered a well-coordinated setup, with equipment designed to process stolen crude into refined products.
The illegal refining process poses not only environmental risks, with the toxic discharge polluting local waterways and vegetation, but also contributes to severe economic losses for the country.
During the raid, five individuals suspected of engaging in crude oil theft and illegal refining were apprehended.
The suspects, believed to be part of a larger network involved in oil bunkering, are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
The dismantling of the refining site is part of a broader strategy under Operation DELTA SANITY, a military-led operation aimed at eliminating illegal refining, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
The operation has been crucial in reducing the activities of criminal syndicates that profit from the theft of crude oil, depriving the nation of billions of naira in revenue.
Commander of NNS PATHFINDER, Captain Usman Jibril, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. He emphasized that the Navy would continue to carry out aggressive patrols and targeted operations to dismantle illegal refining sites and arrest perpetrators.
“This operation sends a strong message to criminal elements involved in illegal oil activities. We are resolute in our mission to eliminate oil theft and its associated crimes. The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, will not relent in our efforts to secure our nation’s critical resources,” Captain Jibril stated.
Environmental experts have long warned about the devastating effects of illegal refining on the Niger Delta’s ecosystem, as the crude oil spills and improper refining methods cause significant damage to the environment and local communities.
The Nigerian Navy’s increased vigilance in dismantling these operations is seen as a vital step in both securing the economy and mitigating environmental degradation.
The Nigerian Navy continues to work closely with other security agencies and community stakeholders to combat oil theft and restore peace and stability to the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Further investigations are ongoing to trace other collaborators linked to the illegal refining network.
The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution, with authorities determined to ensure that justice is served to deter future criminal activity.
Operation DELTA SANITY remains a cornerstone in the fight against oil theft, and the Nigerian Navy has vowed to maintain its aggressive posture to protect national resources and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
Credit: TheconcalveNG & NAN
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