The Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH under the Central Naval Command, conducted Cordon and Search Operation, discovered and deactivated illegally refined products, between January 22, 2024, January 23, 2024, 29, 2024, Commodore Olushina Ojebode, the Commander NNS SOROH, stated in Diebu Community, Southern Ijaw.
He stated that 17,000 litres of products suspected to have been produced from stolen crude oil in a sack bag, were recovered in a building, in Diebu Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Represented by Capt. Suleiman Abdulahi, the commander NNS SOROH, added that the operation was in line with the Nigerian Navy’s Operation “Delta Sanity’’ set up to end oil theft and illegal bunkering.
According to him, the operation which is aimed at combating crude oil theft, oil bunkering and other sundry crimes within the nation’s maritime environment has so far recorded tremendous successes, particularly within Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH Area of operations.
He explained that Navy’s patrol team deployed at Naval Security Station (NNS 030) while on patrol Zion Area of Ezetu Community, in Southern Ijaw, discovered about 20 sacked of illegally refined Automotive Gas, equivalent to four drums or 1,200 litres.
“Further patrol within Gbaran community, let to the interdiction of a wooden boats conveying 275 sacked of illegally refined AGO equivalent to about 55 drums or 16,500 litres. All items recovered were handled with extant procedures on anti-crude oil theft.
“Similarly, on 23, January, at about 1135, patrol team of NNS SOROH acted on credible intelligence and conducted operations around Sangana General Area where 30 sacked of illegally refined AGO equivalent 6 drums or 1,800 litres were discovered and handled accordingly.
“Further to the above on 29, January, NNS SOROH patrol team deployed at the Naval Security Station (NNS 030) while on patrol conducted cordon and search operation of a fishing camp around Atlas axis in Ezetu community.
“The team recovered and deactivated various items used in constructing illegal refinning sites (IRS). Items recovered are 2 X pumping machines, 1 X generator, galvanizing pipes and various empty gallons and jerricans.
“Pertinently NNS SOROH and by extension the Nigerian Navy will continue to pursue it’s mandate towards ensuring safe environment for legitimate businesses in the maritime domain,” the Commander stated.
He said that the Base will continue to carry out operations towards curbing oil theft as well as other maritime crime within it’s area of operations, towards enhancing national prosperity.