Navy Discovers Illegal Refinery with 9.6 Million Litres Capacity in Rivers State
The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, has uncovered and dismantled 16 illegal refineries capable of refining 9.6 million litres of crude oil in the Elem-krakama community of Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State.
During the operation, 14 suspects, including a woman, were apprehended at the illegal refining site. They were allegedly involved in attaching a 14-inch pipe to siphon over 210 metric tonnes of crude oil from wellhead 15 within OML 18 operated by NNPC Ltd.
Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, described the suspects as engaging in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities. The recovered crude oil will be handed over to the appropriate authorities, while the suspects have been transferred to officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and prosecution.
Igbo highlighted the detrimental impact of such activities on the environment and the economy. He emphasized the need to eradicate oil theft from the Niger Delta region, in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The Navy commander urged youths involved in these activities to seek alternative livelihoods, warning that the Navy would continue its efforts to stamp out all forms of oil theft. He stressed the importance of cooperation from community leaders and parents in dissuading young people from engaging in illegal activities that sabotage the economy and harm the environment.
