In a significant operation under Operation DELTA SANITY, the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER successfully uncovered and dismantled an illicit refining site situated along the banks of Tumkiri Rivers in Elem-Ifoko, Rivers State. The operation, conducted on Sunday, February 25, 2024, marked a decisive step in the ongoing efforts to curb illegal oil refining activities in the region.
The illegal facility, comprised of two cooking tanks and two metal storage tanks, posed a significant environmental and security threat to the area. These makeshift structures, commonly used in the illegal refining process, were identified and promptly deactivated by the naval forces.
Operation DELTA SANITY, a strategic initiative launched by the Nigerian Navy to combat various forms of criminal activities within the Niger Delta region, has been instrumental in curbing illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft.
The discovery and dismantling of the illegal refining site underscore the Navy’s commitment to upholding maritime security and safeguarding the nation’s natural resources. Such operations not only disrupt illicit activities but also contribute to preserving the ecological integrity of the region.
The Nigerian Navy continues to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies and local communities to enhance surveillance and enforcement measures, aiming to create a safer and more sustainable environment for all stakeholders involved.
