The Nigerian Navy has achieved significant milestones in its crackdown on crude oil theft and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region. Within just 21 days in September 2024, the Operation DELTA SANITY team arrested eight suspects and dismantled numerous illegal refineries.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information at Naval Headquarters, the offensive began on September 4 with the seizure of three wooden boats and a speedboat loaded with stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automated Gas Oil near the Brass River, Bayelsa State.
The subsequent days saw numerous operations across the region. On September 5, two illegal refinery sites and associated equipment were destroyed in Rivers State. By September 9, additional illegal refining sites in Delta State were dismantled, with key equipment seized. The operations continued with the demolition of newly constructed refineries in Ondo State on September 10 and the arrest of two sea robbers in Akwa Ibom State on September 12.
September 13 was a critical day with the destruction of extensive illegal refining operations in Rivers State, while September 14 saw the seizure of multiple refining sites and boats laden with stolen oil in Bayelsa State. Further seizures and destruction of equipment occurred throughout the month, culminating in significant finds on September 17, 19, and 21 across multiple states.
In total, the Nigerian Navy’s efforts led to the discovery and destruction of 19 illegal Refineries and refining sites, the seizure of 25 wooden boats, 138 sacks laden with stolen crude oil, 26 reservoirs, 19 ovens, 12 dugout pits, four drums, and three fiber boats. Commodore Aliyu emphasized that the Navy will maintain its robust operations to curb oil theft and enhance the nation’s economic development.
Visit our :
Facebook @bulletinnews,
Twitter @thebulletinnews,
Instagram @thebulletinnews,
and TikTok pages.
Please note that every article on this website is original and not copied content. Our reporters across Nigeria and the rest of Africa produce all the content.
Thank you.
