The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites and recovered about 99,000 litres of petroleum products believed to include stolen crude oil and illegally refined diesel in Rivers and Delta states.
The discoveries were made during separate operations on August 31 following intelligence reports on suspected illegal petroleum activities in the two states.
Naval personnel attached to Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH and NNS DELTA carried out the operations, leading to the discovery of facilities allegedly used for illegal refining activities.
The Navy said six reservoirs were also found at the sites, alongside a large refining oven, storage facilities and dugout reservoirs containing substances suspected to be stolen crude oil and Automotive Gas Oil, popularly known as diesel.
Navy spokesperson, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation represented another major effort in the fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
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He said the identified facilities and recovered products were handled in line with established procedures.
According to Folorunsho, the latest operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal networks involved in oil theft and deny them the infrastructure needed to continue their activities.
He added that the Navy would continue intelligence-driven operations across its areas of responsibility to tackle illegal refining and protect the country’s oil resources.
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