The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Brass, Bayelsa, has shattered three illegal refinery sites, a wooden boat, and a total of 160,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
This operation, part of the recently launched Nigerian Navy Operation Delta Sanity, aims to tackle illegal oil theft and bunkering in the Niger-Delta region. Capt.
Murtala Aminu Rogo, the commanding officer of Forward Operating Base (FORMOSO), shared this information during an interview with journalists on Monday.
Mr Rogo explained that the interception of the boat and the destruction of the sites were the result of patrols conducted by base personnel in the Brass River and Akassa general area.
“During the patrol, two illegal refinery sites with about 85,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and a pumping machine were located around Elepa and Abonuwa Brass LGA of Bayelsa respectively.
“While combing other adjoining creeks, the team located the third illegal refinery site and a large wooden boat laden with about 75,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil, around Tuluama, Brass LGA.
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“Accordingly, the three illegal refinery sites and one large wooden boat were handled appropriately,” he said.
Mr Rogo mentioned that ongoing investigations are delving into the criminal networks associated with the illegal refining sites.
He disclosed that the operation’s success represents a significant stride toward achieving the goals of Operation Delta Sanity.
The Commanding Officer appealed to the public to assist the Nigerian Navy by providing pertinent information to aid in dismantling these criminal networks.
According to him, Operation Delta Sanity, under the leadership of Rear Adm. S. J. Bura, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, is dedicated to combating crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other illicit activities in Nigerian waters.
“The Nigeran Navy, under the leadership of Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), is committed to maintaining the security and safety of the Nigerian maritime domain,” he said.
Mr Rogo affirmed that the Navy’s commitment extends to fostering a favorable environment for lawful businesses to thrive and play a role in the nation’s economic advancement.
