Maritime Troops Deactivate Illegal Refineries, Impound Oil Products
The patrol team of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder have destroyed an illegal refining site, with two metal reservoirs laden with 300,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
The troops discovered the site with the aid of a drone.
At the site, located around Cawthorne Channel, the patrol team also impounded a large wooden boat containing 3.14 barrels of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
However, Defence Media Operations (DMO), said the wooden boat and products were dismantled, while the site was deactivated.
At a press briefing on ongoing military operations across the country, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, further noted that NNS Pathfinder, in conjunction with Forward Operating Base Bonny, located an illegal refining site at Bille Creek.
He said one tarpaulin and two metal reservoirs stored with about 60,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 125.7 barrels of product suspected to be stolen crude oil, were discovered at the site.
He said the storage facilities and product were dismantled, while the site was deactivated.
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Enenche, who is the Coordinator of DMO, added that, on 16 July 2020, NNS Delta team intercepted 2 large wooden boats along Aladja Creek.
He said the boats were laden with about 40,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO stored in polythene bags.
At the Defence Headquarters, venue of the briefing, Gen. Enenche, equally stated that troops of operations Calm Waters and Swift Response, on 18 July 2020, impounded petroleum products, as well as arrested boats, involved in illegal activities.
He also said the Forward Operating Base Escravos patrol team, intercepted a wooden boat without engine along Madangho creek, in Warri South West LGA of Delta State.
He said: “The boat, which contained an unquantified product suspected to be illegally refined AGO, was dismantled. Thereafter, the team proceeded to Jones Creek general area, where another wooden boat without engine laden with about 345.94 barrels of product suspected to be stolen crude oil was discovered and intercepted.”
The DMO Coordinator, explained that “the Military High Command commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their doggedness and commitment.
“They are hereby encouraged to remain resolute and decisive in curtailing the activities of all criminal elements in the country.”
