Navy Dismantles 124 Illegal Refining Operations
Navy Dismantles 124 Illegal Refining Operations: The Nigerian Navy’s Operation
Delta Sanity reported significant achievements on Thursday, revealing that
over the last nine months, its personnel successfully dismantled 124 illegal
oil refining sites and apprehended 55 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.
Rear Admiral Samson Bura, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command,
made this announcement during a briefing in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
He detailed that the operation led to the seizure of six vessels, the destruction of 116 wooden boats, and the dismantling of 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks used for illegal refining activities.
Admiral Bura emphasized that numerous items and equipment integral
to the illegal refining process were confiscated, all actions carried out in
compliance with existing laws and regulations. He noted that these
operations have had a positive impact on Nigeria’s oil production,
which has risen to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day.
This marks a notable increase from the production levels of around 1.3 million barrels per day recorded in June 2024. He explained that the Navy’s operations have been enhanced through the utilization of advanced technologies available at the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, alongside intelligence gathering and kinetic operations.
the measures
In addition to these measures, the Navy has adopted various
non-kinetic strategies, which include medical outreach programs,
media campaigns, educational initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
The successes achieved thus far have prompted the Chief of Naval Staff to approve an extension of Operation Delta Sanity for an additional 90 days, effective from October 10, 2024.
Admiral Bura reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a
zero-tolerance policy towards crude oil theft in the maritime environment of the nation.
He also expressed gratitude to other security agencies, maritime stakeholders,
community leaders, youth, members of the press, and all Nigerians who have supported the fight against oil theft, recognizing that collective efforts are essential in this ongoing battle.