Navy sustains pressure on petroleum theft, recovers 33,800 ltrs in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products in the Niger Delta amid its sustained pressure on crude oil theft and other illegal refining activities under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available to journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said the operation was led by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, a unit under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, on Friday.

He said that operatives acting on credible intelligence discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.

“The operation led to the recovery of about 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil, totalling approximately 33,800 litres of petroleum products,” he said.

He also said that the operation led to the discovery of 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums used for the storage and processing of the products.

He said no arrests were made as the perpetrators fled the area on sighting naval personnel.

“The latest operation reflects the efficiency of the navy’s strategy of persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted disruption of the infrastructure and networks that sustain crude oil theft,” he said.

He quoted the CNS, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, as directing formations and units to maintain the pressure on the criminal network.

The CNS instructed personnel to deny criminal networks the freedom of action, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and create a more secured operating environment for legitimate economic activities in the Niger Delta.

Abbas reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to leveraging its maritime domain awareness capabilities, credible intelligence and collaboration with relevant security agencies and host communities to consolidate the gains

“These efforts are integral to the navy’s contribution towards securing Nigeria’s energy resources, improving crude oil production and strengthening national economic security”, he said.