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 the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.
Navy Commander Patrick Ali, the base operations officer (BOO), representing Abba Muhsin, the commander of NNS Delta, on Monday led naval personnel to the sites in the coastal communities of Ajasolor and Ogbukoko.
Addressing reporters, Mr Ali said five metallic storage tanks, four ovens and five dugout pits were uncovered, adding that a suspect was apprehended with a wooden boat.
“Based on credible intelligence, the NNS Delta Gunboat team discovered illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area.
“This is in line with the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)’s mandate of the Operation Delta Sanity to end crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and securing critical maritime assets.
“This is one of the series of actions in keeping Delta safe and secured,” he said.
He said that due process would be followed on the uncovered illegal refining sites, 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.
Mr Ali warned oil thieves and other criminals operating in the maritime space to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
He also said the NNS Delta was determined to rid off its areas of operations of crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities.
Mr Ali thanked all the agencies and individuals that had supported the efforts of the NNS Delta in achieving the feats.
(NAN)