The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, FORMOSO, located in Bayelsa, took decisive action by demolishing three illegal refining sites between Sunday and Tuesday, according to Capt.
Murtala Rogo, the Commanding Officer, who made the announcement on Wednesday in Brass.
During the operation, approximately 50,000 litres of products suspected to have originated from stolen crude oil were seized from these locations.
Under the banner of Operation “Delta Sanity,” a strategic initiative of the Nigerian Navy aimed at eradicating oil theft and illegal bunkering, the recent operation in Bayelsa marks a significant stride towards achieving maritime security and curbing illicit activities.
On Sunday, the Navy’s vigilant patrol team uncovered an illegal refinery site along with a wooden boat containing an estimated 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil at Galubakiri Creek in Nembe Local Government Area.
Concurrently, another illicit refinery site, housing approximately 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, was unearthed at Mbiakpaba, also within Nembe Local Government Area.
On January 30, the patrol team embarked on an extensive exercise across Obama, Igbikiba, Igbomotoru, and Tebidaba General Area.
Along the course of this operation, the team intercepted two wooden boats laden with remnants of products believed to be stolen crude oil at Diebu Creek, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Further combing through the creeks led to the discovery of another illegal refinery site, coupled with the seizure of 15,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and the dismantling of five ovens at Biabagbene, also situated in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
