Nigerian Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Sites in the Niger-Delta

The Maritime Component of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South zone of the country has through the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA dismantled illegal refining sites in the Niger-Delta.

These sites, according to the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche were observed to have been reactivated with 6 ovens, 5 surface metal storage tanks and 5 dug out pits laden with about 57,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO and 649. 1 barrels of suspected stolen crude oil.

“These sites are located around Otumara Community in Warri South West, Burutu and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State.  Troops also arrested 2 suspects. The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.”

Similarly, subsidiary Operation CALM WATERS and Operation SWIFT RESPONSE (OSR) have continued to record remarkable successes with the seizure of 135 bags of 50 kg foreign parboiled rice as well as arrest of boats involved in smuggling activities amongst others.

These operations Enenche said, were conducted based on credible intelligence with the combined teams of OSR and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) strike force.

“These successes recorded have drastically reduced the smuggling of contrabands into the country especially from the South-South axis. The Joint Operation with the NCS proved a worthy partnership in the ongoing border drill. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to partner with other security agencies in sustaining the current gains against criminal elements.”