Navy destroys 14 illegal refineries, seizes N2bn products

Troops of the Nigerian Navy conducting Operation ”Dakatar Da Barawo” confiscated crude oil and other illegally refined products worth N2.7billion in June.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan in Abuja.

“The various NN platforms deployed for ‘Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, Calm Waters 11’ and Tripartite Joint Border Patrol have continued to sustain aggressive patrols to curb the menace of crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering.

”Accordingly, several Illegal Refining Sites (IRS), metal storage tanks, wooden boats, dugout pits and ovens were destroyed between June 13 and June 19.

He said five suspects were and the operatives destroyed 14 Illegal refining sites.

The Navy also said that 80 storage tanks, 22 wooden boats, 40 ovens , two speed boats, a tanker, truck, barge and a Toyota Sienna car were recovered during the various operations during the period.

Similarly, Navy ship VICTORY in Cross River intercepted and impounded three wooden boats laden with drums of suspected illegally Refined Petrol (PMS) around Ikang channel, suspected to be transported to Cameroon.

However, the Navy said, the boats as well as the products were taken into custody.

Vaughan said ”Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny in Rivers” also intercepted two wooden boats laden with about 400,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Iwokiri.

The wooden boats and products, he said, were destroyed.

Similarly, he said, the Navy ship SOROH in Bayelsa intercepted a wooden boat laden with about 60,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.

Subsequently, the boat and contents, he added were destroyed.