The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, in continuation with the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities has destroyed three illegal refinery sites and one large wooden boat cumulatively laden with about 160,000 Litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil in Bayelsa State.
The Commanding Officer Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo who disclosed this said the discovery and destruction of the illegal refinery sites was in line with the recently launched Nigerian Navy Operation DELTA SANITY, to rid illegal oil theft and bunkering activities within the maritime domain.
‘’We carried out patrols along Brass River and Akassa general area. During the patrol, two illegal refinery sites laden with about 85,000 Litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil and a pumping machine were located around Elepa and Abonuwa Brass LGA of Bayelsa respectively.
“While combing other adjoining creeks, the team located the third illegal refinery site and a large wooden boat laden with about 75,000 Litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil, around Tuluama, Brass Local Government Area.
“Accordingly, the three illegal refinery sites and one large wooden boat were handled appropriately,” he said.
Rogo pointed out that the operation is geared towards combing and clearing creeks, and channels as well as other places within the Base Area of Operations.
He assured that further investigations into the criminal networks associated with the illegal refinery sites are ongoing.
Rogo while noting that the operation marks a significant step in actualizing the objectives of Operation DELTA SANITY which are to combat crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering, implored members of the public to cooperate with the Nigerian Navy by providing any relevant information that would aid in the ongoing efforts to dismantle these criminal networks.
He emphasized that Operation DELTA SANITY, led by Rear Admiral S.J Bura the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, is resolutely committed to eradicating the scourge of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other criminal activities within Nigerian waters.
“The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), is committed to maintaining the security and safety of the Nigerian maritime domain, facilitating a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to flourish and contribute to the nation’s strength.