By Kingsley Omonobi
The Nigerian Navy, in a sustained offensive against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering under Operation Delta Sentinel, has recovered approximately 24,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the Navy, “The operation was conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny following credible intelligence on suspected attempts by criminal elements to establish illegal connections to oil infrastructure within the Bethel Community axis.
“The operation led to the discovery of an illegal refining site, 2 pits containing approximately 24,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil, as well as extensive hoses believed to have been installed in furtherance of crude oil theft activities.
“The illegal facilities and associated materials were subsequently handled in accordance with extant regulations.
“The successful operation disrupted an emerging crude oil theft network before it could become fully operational, further denying economic saboteurs the infrastructure required to sustain illicit activities and inflict economic losses on the nation.”
Similarly, the Navy under Operation Delta Sentinel successfully intercepted approximately 17,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, said, “The interception was made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder during ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations within its Area of Operation.
“The operation led to the interception of a speedboat conveying the suspected illegally refined petroleum product along the Onne/Okrika waterways.
“The recovered speedboat and the suspected illegally refined AGO were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those connected with the illegal activity.
“The latest operational success further demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to disrupting the illicit petroleum supply chain, denying economic saboteurs freedom of action and protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure from criminal exploitation.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to combat crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage, while safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and supporting national economic security.”
The post Navy recovers 24,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Rivers appeared first on Vanguard News.