By DECAN
The Nigerian Navy has disrupted two illegal refining sites and recovered about 34,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Rivers.
The operation was conducted on Aug. 28 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, Director, Naval Information, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
He said the products were recovered from dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs at the illegal refining sites.
Other items associated with the illegal refining activities were also recovered and the sites deactivated.
Folorunsho said the intervention was part of sustained operations by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the reactivation of illegal refining infrastructure in the area.
He said the continued operations had contributed to a decline in the re-establishment of illegal refining sites within the area.
According to him, no arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.
He said the recovered products and other items were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
Folorunsho said the Navy would sustain intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He added that the operations were also aimed at protecting critical national assets and legitimate economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environment.