By Victor Akaa
In a concerted effort to combat illegal oil refining and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Navy has launched a series of successful operations under the codename Operation DELTA SANITY (OPDS).
Reports says, between June 22-24, 2024, the Navy’s Forward Operating Bases and Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH conducted raids on illegal refining sites, arrested suspects, and seized large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.
On Monday, June 24, 2024, personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites in Bassambari, Nembe Local Government Area (LGA), Bayelsa State. The sites, which contained six refining ovens, were laden with an unspecified amount of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Similarly, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH on Sunday, 23 June ,2024 intercepted and arrested three suspects in possession of sacs and jerrycans containing illegally refined AGO and kerosene in their large wooden boat in Keme-Ebiama, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State. The suspects and the illegally refined products were taken into custody for further investigation.
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site around Andoni general area, Rivers State. The site, which contained one refining oven, two storage tanks, three reservoir pits, and a large wooden boat, was laden with a large quantity of stolen crude oil.
In addition to the raids on illegal refining sites, the Navy also seized two wooden boats conveying sacs of illegally refined AGO and stolen crude oil at Eduwini II community, Bayelsa State.
This development has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring the security of the nation’s maritime domain. Operation DELTA SANITY is a testament to the Navy’s resolve to combat illegal oil refining and crude oil theft, and to bring those responsible to justice.
Enugu Reporters reports that these successful operations have sent a strong message to criminals operating in the region, and the Navy has warned that it will continue to intensify its efforts to rid the region of illegal activities
