4 months ago
13
“The illegal refining site is hidden away at the core of Nembe Creek, and it took the deployment of high-resolution drones to discover this site.”
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Brass, Bayelsa, has destroyed 10 illegal refinery sites in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.
The navy also destroyed a speedboat and seized 100,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, Ifeanyichukwu Mabeokwu, a navy captain, disclosed this while speaking with reporters during the operation on Thursday.
Mr Mabeokwu said his team carried out the operation and subsequent destruction in line with the navy’s aspiration to decimate illegal refining sites and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
“My team and I are here to carry out deactivation operations in these illegal refining sites.
“As you can see, there is a large one with over 10 refining units; it has, cumulatively, about 80 litres of illegally refined AGO and 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil respectively.
“The illegal refining site is hidden away at the core of Nembe Creek, and it took the deployment of high-resolution drones to discover this site.
Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.
PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth, meticulously researched news and information.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Will you support our newsroom with a modest donation to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
“Now it has been discovered, we are going to do everything possible to see that this does not exist and will cease from this moment.
“The discovery was made early this morning at about 0630-7000 hours,” he said.
According to the commanding officer, the team met all the ovens still active on arrival, to prove illegal activities were ongoing just before they (suspects) sensed the naval presence and fled.
“I believe they heard the sound of our gunboat, and they abandoned the site. As we arrived here, nobody was seen,” he said.
READ ALSO: Navy recruits 1,486 to tackle oil theft, piracy
Mr Mabeokwu said the navy, under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, will stay committed to maintaining the security and safety of the Nigerian maritime domain.
According to him, the navy will continue to facilitate a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to flourish and contribute to the nation’s economic progress.
He, therefore, warned those who indulge in such illegitimate businesses to desist, promising that the navy would not allow them to find peace.
(NAN)
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.
Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999
English (US) ·