Oil Theft: Navy Troops Raid Rivers, Bayelsa, Seize 163,000 Litres
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, raiding illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa states and seizing about 163,000 litres of suspected stolen crude and refined products.
The operations, carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER and NNS SOROH on May 1, were based on credible intelligence targeting active oil theft corridors and illegal refining hubs.
In Rivers State, an anti-crude oil theft patrol team from NNS PATHFINDER deployed to the Ahoada West axis uncovered and dismantled five illegal refining sites around Egboama-Ogbogolo community. The sites comprised no fewer than 15 dug-out pits, storage facilities, and reservoirs containing approximately 85,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil and about 78,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
Naval authorities said preliminary findings indicated that the products were sourced from a nearby wellhead located a few metres from the refining pits, although the operating company could not be immediately identified. The illegal infrastructure and products were subsequently destroyed in line with operational procedures, while suspects fled the area on sighting the troops.
In a related operation in Bayelsa State, personnel of NNS SOROH responded to intelligence on the movement of suspected oil thieves towards the Soku Gas Plant pipeline corridor.
A search of the area led to the discovery of equipment used for illegal pipeline connections concealed in nearby bushes. Items recovered included 10 jerrycans, a 300-metre 3-inch hose, a 200-metre 4-inch hose, and a 20-metre pipe. No arrests were made, as the suspects had reportedly fled before the arrival of naval personnel.
The Navy said the operations underscore its sustained resolve to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action within the maritime environment, adding that efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle associated criminal networks.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and maintaining a secure maritime domain, while urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
By TimesNG