Navy Destroys 9 Illegal Refining Sites, 5 Reservoirs in 3 States
Troops from the Nigerian Navy, deployed for Operation Delta Sanity II, have successfully dismantled nine interconnected illegal refinery camps, including five active reservoirs, in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Ondo States.
In a statement issued by Naval Spokesman Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, it was revealed that the troops also seized a variety of illicit materials, including 20,000 litres of crude oil, 1,400 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, pumping machines, and locally fabricated boats.
The operation began on January 6, 2025, when troops discovered a large illegal refining site in the Igbomotoru area of Bayelsa State, where a significant quantity of stolen crude oil was found. The illicit products were promptly seized and processed according to established protocols.
On January 7, 2025, a separate operation led to the interception of a large wooden boat at Enang C Platform in the Iko area of Akwa Ibom State. The boat was found to be siphoning crude oil and was carrying two 10,000-litre capacity GP tanks, along with an estimated 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The boat also contained 12 additional 10,000-litre GP tanks, three service tanks, four submersible pumps, and several outboard engines.
Later that day, troops at the Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, uncovered another illegal refining site in the Obe-Nla Riverine community, within the Ilaje local government area. This operation resulted in the deactivation of nine interconnected illegal refinery camps and the destruction of five active reservoirs.
Commodore Adams-Aliu emphasized that the operations in the first week of 2025 demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating crude oil theft and ensuring the protection of the nation’s resources.
