Rita Odafe
Two individuals suspected of involvement in illegal oil bunkering were captured by the Nigerian Navy after a hidden bunkering site was found in their private residence in Rivers State.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Commodore Desmond Igbo, the Commander of Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, led the press to the site located in Okwuzi community of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
Following a raid on the property, naval personnel came across 200,000 liters of illicitly refined diesel concealed within the compound based on reliable intelligence gathered.
Commodore Igbo stated, “The operation was carried out based on credible intelligence, leading us to a private property used for the illegal refining of petroleum products. Approximately 200,000 liters of illegally refined diesel, packaged in sacks, are believed to be a result of crude oil tapped from pipelines in the area.”
The prompt intervention was emphasized by Mr. Igbo, noting that the product was set for distribution.
“We arrested the property owner and an employee, with further endeavors in progress to apprehend other individuals involved in this criminal activity,” he added.
Recently, the Nigerian Navy relaunched Operation Delta Sanity phase three to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and associated unlawful practices in the Niger Delta region.
Concerned about the negative impact on the economy, Igbo affirmed the determination of NNS Pathfinder to catch those undermining the country’s economic well-being, whether on land or sea.
He informed that the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, while the illegal site has been secured pending investigations.
With the goal of reaching the OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day this year, the Navy has been tasked to bolster surveillance around oil installations according to Mr. Igbo.
Mr. Igbo conveyed a warning to the youth, advising them to steer clear of being used for activities such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering that could impair the nation’s economy.
