The Nigerian Navy has reportedly destroyed an illegal oil refinery in Rivers State, with the capacity to produce over 2 million liters of automotive gasoline oil (AGO) daily.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that the operation, led by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, involved the destruction of over 500 crude oil processing drums and several dug-out pits and ovens using a swamp buggy.
It was revealed the action aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s directive to combat oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
Reports stated that the illegal refinery, connected to a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)-operated oil wellhead, was used by suspected oil thieves to siphon crude oil for refining.
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It was also disclosed that the Navy discovered the site after thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to the commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, the oil thieves had adapted their methods, using drums to refine stolen crude oil into AGO and other by-products, making it easier to construct and dismantle the setup.
The ongoing operation has led to the destruction of over 500 drums and several dug-out pits and ovens, capable of producing over 2 million liters of illegally refined petroleum products daily.
Aniaku issued a strong warning to those engaged in illegal refining activities, affirming its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s vital infrastructure.
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