Navy destroys illegal refineries, wooden boats, 100 jerry cans in Niger Delta

By OKOSUN DENNIS

The NNS PATHFINDER, deployed to checkmate the illegal activities of oil thieves and operators of illegal refineries has destroyed a wooden boat laden with suspected illegally refined AGO around Wakama Village in Onne.

National Daily learnt that FOB ESCRAVOS also raided an illegal refinery site at Tipo Village in Warri, South West LGA, Delta State leading to the arrest of two large Cotonou boats laden with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen crude oil as well as 100 Jerry cans of illegally refined AGO and destroyed them.

The Nigerian Navy, therefore, resolved to tackle the menace of crude oil thief and operators of illegal oil refinery camps and other related crimes in the Niger Delta, noting that they would remain steadfast in the ongoing clampdown on the illegalities in the Niger Delta.

The Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, disclosed to National Daily   on Tuesday that a patrol team from FOB BONNY raided Bolo and adjoining creeks.

He explained that during the raid, the team destroyed 12 x illegal refinery sites, six Cotonou boats carrying suspected crude oil and 20 tanks laden with suspected illegally refined AGO as well as three barges laden with suspected stolen crude oil.

“Other items destroyed include six tanks laden with crude oil as well as one speedboat laden with AGO, including 10 dug out wells used for storage of suspected crude oil.

Cdre Ezekobe, therefore, reiterated the commitment of the navy to continue the ongoing clampdown in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s zero tolerance for crude oil theft and other related crimes in the maritime domain.