Nigerian Navy cracks down on illegal oil refining in Bayelsa, arrests six suspects

The Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, made significant strides in the fight against illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.

The Navy’s patrol team apprehended six individuals in Ogboinibiri, Bayelsa State, who were found in possession of four fibre boats and two wooden boats laden with numerous sacks containing illegally refined petroleum products.

The arrested suspects were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives in Ogboinibiri for further investigation and prosecution.

In a related development, the same patrol team discovered an illegal refining site in Gbaraun, Bayelsa State.

At the site, they found a wooden boat filled with an unspecified amount of stolen crude oil, further highlighting the ongoing challenge of oil theft and illegal refining in the region.

The discovery and subsequent action by the Nigerian Navy underline the critical need for continued vigilance and intervention against illegal activities that undermine the nation’s economy and pose environmental risks.

The Nigerian Navy’s operation is part of the broader national security initiative, codenamed Operation DELTA SANITY, aimed at curbing illegal bunkering, oil theft, and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta.

These activities not only result in significant financial losses for Nigeria but also contribute to severe environmental degradation, affecting the livelihoods of local communities.

Speaking on the operation, a Navy spokesperson emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustain the tempo of its maritime security operations to rid the waters and creeks of Bayelsa and the broader Niger Delta region of criminal activities.

The Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, such as the NSCDC, is seen as a crucial aspect of these efforts, ensuring that those involved in illegal refining and oil theft are brought to justice.

The latest crackdown is expected to serve as a deterrent to other would-be perpetrators, as the government continues to strengthen its resolve to tackle illegal refining operations that have plagued the region for decades.

The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its call for community support, urging residents to report suspicious activities in their areas to security agencies to help combat the menace of oil theft and environmental pollution.

As investigations continue, the Navy has vowed to remain relentless in its operations, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting the nation’s vital oil infrastructure from criminal exploitation.