The Nigerian Navy has destroyed no fewer than 22 illegal oil refineries and oil barges in recent operations in the Niger Delta.
A Navy team from the Forward Operation Base, Bonny carried out the operation. Media sources say 10 dug-out wells were also destroyed while six Cotonou boats carrying away suspected stolen crude were waylaid by the patrol team.
It was gathered that they also destroyed 20 tanks laden with suspected illegally refined AGO (diesel), three barges conveying suspected stolen crude oil, six crude oil laden tanks, a speedboat filled with AGO and uncovered 10 wells used for storing crude oil.
Also, operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder during a patrol around Wakama village in Onne destroyed a wooden boat laden with suspected illegally refined AGO.
The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, said FOB Escravos raided an illegal refinery site at Tipo village in Warri, Delta State.
He said: “During the raid, illegal refinery site and two large Cotonou boats laden with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen crude oil as well as 100 Jerry cans of illegally refined AGO were destroyed.
“The Navy reiterates its strong resolve to continue the current clampdown, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s zero tolerance for crude oil theft and other related crimes in the maritime domain.”