The Nigerian Navy has uncovered two illegal refineries in Ajasolor and Ogbukoko in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Navy Commander Patrick Ali, the Base Operations Officer representing Commodore Abba Muhsin, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) in Delta State, made the disclosure on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Ali made the disclosure after leading naval officers to the illegal refining sites in the coastal communities.

Addressing newsmen, Ali said five metallic storage tanks, four ovens, and five dugout pits were uncovered, adding that a suspect was apprehended with a wooden boat.

He said: “Based on credible intelligence, the NNS Delta Gunboat team discovered illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area.

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“This is in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s mandate of 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 secured.”

Speaking on the uncovered illegal refineries, Ali stated that due process would be followed, noting that the Nigerian Navy is environmentally friendly.

“You can see that the hoodlums set one of the dugout pits on fire and ran away thus causing environmental degradation. The navy is environmentally friendly; we will follow due process,” the naval officer added.

Ali warned oil thieves and other criminals operating in the maritime space to desist or face the full wrath of the law, saying 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 who supported the efforts of the NNS Delta in achieving the feat.

The Star