The Nigerian Navy announced the seizure of vessels involved in crude oil theft and the destruction of several illegal refining sites during Operation Delta Sanity II in March.
The Director of Naval Information, Commodore, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this disclosure in Abuja on Saturday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He stated that on March 7, troops destroyed an illegal refinery in Oteghele, Delta State, confiscating 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,000 litres of illicitly refined Automobile Gas Oil.
He added that on March 8, the Navy intercepted a large wooden boat in the Okrika and Ogajama areas of Rivers State, seizing 40,000 litres of crude oil.
The following day, on March 9, the Navy apprehended the vessel MFT Olokun VIII in the Saint Nicholas River, Bayelsa.
The vessel was found to be carrying illegal arms, including a G3 rifle, a pump-action gun, 20 rounds of ammunition, and seven live cartridges. Two suspects were arrested and will face prosecution.
Adams-Aliu said that on March 10, troops shut down three illegal refinery sites in Obodo Omadino, Delta State, confiscating three ovens, seven dugout pits, 3,700 litres of crude oil, and 1,900 litres of refined AGO stored in 23 sacks.
He also mentioned that on March 13, troops discovered a damaged wellhead and eight illegal refinery sites in Ohaji/Egbema West, Rivers State.
The operation led to the seizure of 55 ovens, 12 reservoirs, 30 dugout pits, approximately 55,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and 4,000 litres of refined diesel.
On March 14, two wooden boats, carrying over 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil and two drums, were seized in Dodo River, Bayelsa.
On March 15, a fibre boat carrying 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted near the Bille/Krakrama waterways in Rivers State.
On March 17, three illegal refinery sites were dismantled in Obodo Omadino, Delta State, resulting in the seizure of two ovens, 10 dugout pits, 2,700 litres of crude oil, and 1,900 litres of refined AGO.
