Navy Destroys Illegal Refinery, Seizes 19,000 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny, Rivers State, has dismantled an active illegal refining site and confiscated approximately 19,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during a recent operation at Peterside Community.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Base Operations Officer, Lt. Commander Sirajo Almustapha, said the operation was in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at curbing oil theft and illegal refining.
“Following credible intelligence on illicit activities in Peterside, our anti-crude oil theft team was deployed on a surveillance and reconnaissance mission. This led to the discovery and deactivation of an illegal refining site located behind the community,” he stated.
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The site consisted of two cooking tanks, two storage tanks, two plastic tanks, a large water tank, and a dug-out pit. Upon inspection, one of the storage tanks contained approximately 5,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while the plastic tanks and pit held an additional 2,000 litres combined.
Almustapha also revealed that during the team’s withdrawal, a large wooden boat—hidden near the community’s entrance—was intercepted. It was carrying about 2,000 litres of suspected stolen crude and was confiscated in line with naval regulations.
In a separate operation that same day, naval personnel stationed at Oputumbi intercepted another wooden boat near Owokpo, which was found to be transporting about 10,000 litres of illegally obtained crude oil.
The Navy reiterated its firm stance against oil theft and warned perpetrators to seek lawful means of livelihood.
“We will continue to apply aggressive pressure to dismantle these criminal networks. The Navy remains resolute in ensuring safe waterways and a secure environment for legitimate maritime operations,” Almustapha added.
By PRNigeria
