Nigerian Navy Dismantles Illegal Refineries in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy conducted operations in Rivers to dismantle illegal refinery sites, recovering a significant cache of suspected illegal petroleum products. Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, reported that the operation was part of the Delta Sentinel initiative aimed at curbing crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

Following credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities, personnel from the Navy's Bonny operational base executed reconnaissance missions, which confirmed two newly constructed illegal refinery sites near river channels. These sites contained improvised cooking installations and interconnecting pipe networks intended for processing and transporting illegal petroleum products.

Additionally, the Navy's ship Soroh discovered concealed fuel stockpiles along the Bayelsa border corridor, leading to the recovery of 3,800 liters of suspected illegal automotive gas oil stored in 38 sacks. Although no arrests were made, the suspects fled the scene.

The operation underscores the Navy's commitment to disrupting illegal fuel networks and protecting national assets.