The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering about 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
The operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of the state as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
According to the Navy in a statement by the Director Naval Information Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the personnel discovered the illegal refining infrastructure and recovered the suspected stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs.
The latest operation comes days after similar illegal refining facilities were discovered and deactivated within the same general area.
The Navy said the repeated discoveries highlight attempts by economic saboteurs to reactivate illegal refining operations despite sustained enforcement efforts.
It said the continued deployment of personnel to identified hotspots was helping to deny criminal elements the opportunity to establish and maintain illegal refining networks.
The navy added that the operations were also contributing to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
However, the Nigerian Navy said it would sustain operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining networks, curb crude oil theft and protect the country’s maritime and energy assets.