The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 13,000 litrs of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil(AGO) in Rivers after disrupting an illegal fuel distribution hub.
This is contained in an operational report on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available in Abuja.
Folorunsho said that the recovery was made by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in Bonny Local Government Area
According to him, the operation resulted in the discovery of an illegal petroleum products storage and distribution facility containing large-capacity storage tanks, reservoirs, drums and hoses for illegal handling and distribution.
He said that the recovered products and associated facilities were handled in accordance with extant operational procedures.
“The illegal facility is believed to have supported criminal activities linked to the unlawful petroleum products trade, thereby undermining national economic interests and the integrity of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
“Relevant investigations are ongoing, while efforts continue with a view to identifying all persons connected with the illegal operation”, he said.
He added that the successful operation represented another significant step in navy’s sustained efforts to dismantle the infrastructure that enabled crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage in Niger Delta.
He also said that it further underscored the service’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s drive to enhance crude oil production and national revenue.
The naval spokesperson reaffirmed navy’s commitment to sustaining all lawful operations aimed at safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure.
He also said they were set to deny economic saboteurs the freedom of action to perpetuate any form of criminality in the maritime domain.
