Nigerian Navy Shuts Down 60 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

Nigerian Navy Shuts Down 60 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Nigerian Navy has successfully deactivated 60 illegal refinery sites in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria between January and April 2024……READ ALSO Nigerian Navy Initiates Probe Into Civilian Staff Member’s Death

Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding of ENC, revealed that during this period, the navy also seized and destroyed approximately 293,900 litres of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil) and recovered 412,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Addressing journalists in his office in Calabar, Rear Admiral Akinwande attributed these achievements to Operation Delta Sanity, which was launched by the Chief of Naval Staff in January.

Operation Delta Sanity has significantly increased sea patrol time, totaling about 1,752 hours, with a cumulative patrol time of approximately 45,540 hours across naval bases by both boats and air assets.

The operation has seen robust riverine patrol and clearance operations, resulting in the arrest of numerous suspects, destruction of wooden boats used in illegal activities, and recovery of illegal bunkering equipment.

Additionally, the navy’s anti-smuggling efforts have led to the interception of smuggled parboiled rice and petroleum products. These actions have contributed to a 5.85% increase in crude oil production capacity, from 1.55 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 1.64 mbpd, as confirmed by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

Operation Delta Sanity aims to further curb illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and other crimes in the Niger Delta region. It has successfully hindered the activities of illegal bunkering syndicates, resulting in the dismantling of several illegal refining sites and the arrest of suspects and vessels involved in illicit activities.

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