Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta) in Warri, Delta State, have uncovered two illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The sites were located in the coastal communities of Ajasolor and Ogbukoko in the council area.
The Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin, told journalists yesterday that a suspect was arrested during operations to the area.
Muhsin, who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Navy Commander Patrick Ali, said that five metallic storage tanks, four ovens and five dugout pits were uncovered.
He disclosed that a suspect was apprehended with a wooden boat while crude oil well heads were also vandalised, adding: “Based on credible intelligence, the NNS Delta gunboat team discovered illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area.
“This was in line with the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)’s mandate of the Operation Delta Sanity to end crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and securing critical maritime assets. This is one of the series of actions in keeping Delta safe and secure.”
Speaking on the uncovered illegal refining sites, Muhsin said that due process would be followed, noting that the Nigerian Navy was environmental friendly.
“You can see the hoodlums set one of the dugout pit on fire and ran away thus causing environmental degradation. The Navy is environmental friendly; we will follow due process,” he said.
The commodore warned oil thieves and other criminals operating in the maritime space to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
Muhsin also said that the NNS Delta was determined to rid-off its Areas of Operations of crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities.
He, however, thanked all the agencies and individuals that had supported the efforts of the NNS Delta in achieving the feats.
