By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft, uncovering two illegal refining sites containing an estimated 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers State.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, on Saturday said that the discovery was made on Friday by the personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence about illegal refining activities in the Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The Navy said the two sites contained one refining oven, 22 dugout pits and four sacks of suspected stolen crude oil.
According to the statement, the first site held approximately 1,800 litres of crude oil, while the second contained an estimated 55,000 litres, bringing the total quantity discovered to about 56,800 litres.
The Navy added that the recovered products and associated items were handled in line with established procedures for combating crude oil theft.
It said the operation demonstrated its continued commitment to dismantling illegal refining facilities and disrupting networks responsible for stealing the nation's petroleum resources.
The Service noted that its intelligence-driven operations were aimed at denying economic saboteurs access to petroleum resources while protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain pressure on crude oil thieves and illegal refiners in support of national crude oil production, economic security and the protection of Nigeria's maritime interests.