Navy destroys N3bn illegal refineries in special operation

The Nigerian Navy has destroyed 40 illegal refineries,
equipment and petroleum products valued at N3 billion
in a special operation in the Niger Delta.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval
Command, Rear Adm. James Oluwole, disclosed this in
Port Harcourt on Saturday at the conclusion of the first
phase of “Operation River Sweep I.”
Oluwole said the operation which began on Jan. 8 and
ended Feb. 4 aimed at tackling spate of oil theft and
vandalism of critical oil and gas installations, especially
along Bonny–Onne channels in Rivers.
According to him, two warships, NNS Ologbo and NNS
Burutu, eight gun boats and helicopters participated in
the 28-day operation.
“Operation Rivers Sweep was activated on Jan. 8 to
stem the tide of increasing and disturbing reports of
illegal bunkering in Onne general area.
“Over some months now, we have discovered that lots
of illegal refineries are operating within the area with
stealthily and specially designed dug-in canoes moving
stolen petroleum products.
“In the operation, two vessels MV Lewis Ejiro and MV
Lady Swithin were impounded while 40 illegal refineries,
60 large wooden and speed boats loaded with 5.24
million litres of diesel were destroyed.
“Other items recovered by troops included three
generators, 16 pumping machines, two welding
machines, three outboard engines and two hoses.
“The total estimated loss for the destroyed illegal
refineries and other equipment is about N3 billion”.
Oluwole said that five suspected oil thieves were
arrested during the operation and handed over to
relevant prosecuting agencies.
He said the operation was successful due to the use of
Swamp Buggy machines which completely crushed
metallic tanks and denied oil thieves ability to revive the
destroyed refineries.
The FOC said the operation had reduced spate of
attacks on oil and gas installations and sea piracy,
particularly in the Onne and adjoining creeks in the
area.
“We have realised that whenever we burn down illegal
refineries with metal tanks and some days after our
troops leave the scene, the oil thieves would return and
revive the refineries.
“The use of swamp buggy machine has proved to be
effective; and the colossal losses of boats and stolen oil
products will discourage bunkering activities in our
areas of operation.
Oluwole said that the Navy’s inability to prosecute
suspected oil thieves partly affected the war on illegal
oil bunkering.
According to him, the battle against oil thieves is built
on a tripartite arrangement which involved surveillance,
enforcement and operation.
The FOC pointed out that similar operations were
currently on-going in its naval Central Naval Command.
(NAN)