Navy Destroys Nine Illegal Refineries in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled nine illegal refineries in Rivers State as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, which continue to threaten the country’s economy and energy security.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder on May 12, took place in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.

During the raid, naval operatives uncovered 45 cooking ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 dugout pits filled with an estimated 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 80,000 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel, known as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

In a statement signed by the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, the Navy also reported the destruction of about 33,000 litres of illegally refined kerosene during the operation.

The team further discovered two wellheads illegally tapped with pipelines suspected to have been used by oil thieves to divert crude oil into the refining camps.

Commodore Aniaku said the seized products were handled in line with existing anti-crude oil theft procedures. He noted that no arrests were made, as the suspects fled upon sighting the approaching naval team.

He commended the bravery and professionalism of his personnel and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment, under the leadership of Vice Admiral E.I. Ogalla, to fighting crude oil theft and illegal refining operations.

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