The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, has uncovered two illegal refining sites with 45,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Navy Commander Patrick Ali, the Base Operations Officer (BOO), representing Commodore Abba Muhsin, Commander, NNS Delta, led naval personnel to the sites in the coastal communities of Ajasolor and Ogbukokon on Monday.
Ali told reporters that they had uncovered five metallic storage tanks, four ovens, and five dugout pits, as well as apprehended a suspect using a wooden boat.
According to credible intelligence, the NNS Delta Gunboat team discovered illegal refining sites in the Warri South Local Government Area.
He said: “This is in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s (CNS) mandate for Operation Delta Sanity to end crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and secure critical maritime assets.
“This is one of a series of actions to keep Delta safe and secure.”
On the illegal refining sites that were discovered, he said that due process would be followed, noting that the Nigerian Navy was environmentally friendly.
“You can see that the hoodlums set one of the dugout pits on fire and ran away, thus causing environmental degradation. The Navy is environmentally friendly; we will follow due process,” he said.
Ali cautioned oil thieves and other criminals operating in the maritime space to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
He also said that the NNS Delta was determined to rid its areas of operations of crude oil theft and other forms of illegality.
He, however, thanked all of the agencies and individuals who had supported the NNS Delta’s efforts to achieve the feats.
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