In a major operation aimed at combating crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Navy, through its patrol team under Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, made significant strides in curbing the activities of oil thieves. On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, as part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY, NNS PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated two large-scale illegal refining sites in Bukama, Rivers State.
The first site contained nine refining ovens, three storage tanks, and three reservoirs, all laden with substantial quantities of stolen crude oil. These illegal refineries were processing crude oil into products like diesel and kerosene, contributing to both environmental degradation and economic losses for the country. The Navy’s swift action has disrupted these operations, dealing a blow to the network of oil thieves in the area.
In addition to dismantling the illegal refineries, NNS PATHFINDER patrol teams discovered a vandalized wellhead in the same vicinity. This wellhead was being used by criminals to siphon crude oil into drums, indicating the organized and highly sophisticated nature of these oil theft operations. The discovery of the wellhead highlights the depth of sabotage activities targeting critical national oil infrastructure.
A second illegal refining site was discovered and neutralized in Ogaji-Ama, another area in Rivers State known for illicit oil activities. This site was equipped with three cooking tanks, four storage tanks, wooden boats, and several dug-out pits used to conceal crude oil. The operation uncovered a network that appeared to be engaged in large-scale crude oil refining and transportation using these wooden boats, which are typically used to smuggle refined products through the creeks.
Rear Admiral Olusegun Odunlami, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, commended the efforts of the NNS PATHFINDER team for their vigilance and dedication in the fight against oil theft. He emphasized that the Navy remains resolute in its commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain and ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
The deactivation of these illegal refineries and the dismantling of the crude oil theft network in Rivers State is a significant step in the broader strategy to restore sanity to the oil-rich Niger Delta region. The Navy’s efforts align with ongoing governmental initiatives aimed at curbing economic sabotage, protecting the environment, and preserving the country’s natural resources from further exploitation by criminal syndicates.
The Nigerian Navy has assured the public that its operations will continue until illegal oil refining and theft are eradicated from the region. Operation DELTA SANITY remains a vital part of the Navy’s mandate to protect the nation’s maritime resources and infrastructure from criminal elements.
