Navy Intensifies Clampdown on Crude Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

Destroys 12 illegal refineries
Paul Obi in Abuja
In a move to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, Nigerian Navy yesterday said it had intensified its clampdown on crude oil thieves, operators of illegal oil refinery and other related crimes in the Niger Delta.

According to officials, this is in consonance with its revolve to rid the oil region of all forms of criminalities and illegalities within the area.

A report by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) during the week indicated that Nigeria lose s about 130 million barrels of crude oil to 32 militant groups in 2016 alone.

Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, promised that the navy’s strong resolve to continue the ongoing clampdown in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s zero tolerance for crude oil theft and other crimes in the maritime zone.

He maintained that the force “would continue its onslaught against perpetrators of illegal activities in the area, the Nigerian Navy said it remained steadfast in the ongoing clampdown on illegalities in the Niger Delta.

Ezekobe said the patrol team deployed by NNS Pathfinder destroyed a wooden boat laden with suspected illegally refined diesel around Wakama Village in Onne.

“Similarly, FOB Escravos raided an illegal refinery site at Tipo Village in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.

“During the raid, are illegal refinery site and 2 large Cotonou boats laden with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen crude oil as well as 100 Jerry cans of illegally refined AGO were destroyed.

“In a related development, a patrol team from FOB BONNY raided Bolo and adjoining creeks. During the raid, the team destroyed 12 illegal refinery sites, six Cotonou boats carrying suspected crude oil and 20 tanks laden with suspected illegally refined diesel as well as three barges laden with suspected stolen crude oil.

“Other items destroyed include six tanks laden with crude oil as well as one speedboat laden with diesel, including ten dug out wells used for storage of suspected crude oil,” Ezekobe added.