The Nigerian Navy has destroyed 44 illegal refineries, recovered about two million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and adulterated diesel as well as apprehended 13 suspects.
The Base Operations Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Cdr. Umar Sidi, made the disclosure to newsmen in Port Harcourt last week.
Sidi said the navy in Rivers had begun mopping up newly discovered illegal refineries which had combined capacity to produce thousands of litres of petroleum products daily.
He said that the exercise code named “Operation River Dominance,” had led to discoveries of many illegal artisanal refineries.
The operation was launched in support of Gov. Nyesom Wike’s fight against illegal crude oil refining which is largely responsible for soot pollution in the state.
“Operation River Dominance was launched by the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, on Jan. 18 to support the Rivers State Government campaign against illegal bunkering.
“So far, troops have destroyed over 44 illegal refineries with 13 suspects arrested. Also, 14 large wooden boats containing suspected stolen petroleum products have been seized.
“NNS patrol team also arrested and impounded three large metallic barges carrying a combined one million litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
“Also, two of the barges had a similar quantity of diesel stored in them during the time of arrest,” Sidi said.
He said the base recorded the successes by intensifying its riverine patrols and establishment of waterboard guard boats to secure choke points in the waterways and creeks.
The navy officer explained that the choke points at Cotton Channel, Tombia and Bille waterways were entry and exit routes used by oil thieves to move their stolen petroleum products for distribution.
“The Nigerian Navy is very proactive in its fight against crude oil theft, knowing that oil thieves use the proceeds from their illicit activities to buy weapons.
“After buying weapons, they go into other dangerous vices like kidnapping and piracy, among other crimes.
“This is partly why we have remained focussed to ensure that crude oil thieves are arrested and brought to book,” he stated.
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Sidi noted that the base was working with all the 23 local governments in the state, particularly Akuku Toru, to rid the state of illegal bunkering sites.
According to him, the recent successes were made possible by the recent acquisition of vessels and platforms by Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo-led navy.
“The newly acquired platforms have enabled NNS Pathfinder to effectively achieve its objective of securing the nation’s maritime space for legitimate business to thrive.
“The major recapitalisation in the navy was reflected in the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) report that indicated that piracy dropped by 77 per cent in the country,” he added.
Speaking, the Chairman of Akuku Toru council, Mr Rowland Sekibo, said after the 44 illegal refining sites were destroyed soot pollution had reduced in the local government area.
Represented by Charles Briggs, an official in the council, Sekibo expressed optimism that more illegal refineries would be identified and destroyed in the area.
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