The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a large-scale illegal oil refining operation in the creeks of Isaka and Bakana Ogoloma, located in the Okirika local government area of Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.
This site has a production capacity exceeding two million litres of diesel, known as Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and an equivalent amount of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, expressed his shock at the extent of the economic sabotage and environmental damage caused by the operation, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil bunkering in the region.
Accessing the site proved challenging due to the swampy terrain, worsened by heavy rainfall, Commodore Aniaku added, enthusing, however, that despite these difficulties, naval personnel and journalists managed to reach the massive facility used by the illegal operators.
The wellhead used to siphon crude oil was still leaking into the water, as the operators had not yet secured it.
Commodore Aniaku was particularly disturbed by the sophisticated methods the criminals employed, including the use of drums to refine stolen crude oil.
He reiterated the determination of the Navy to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for this economic sabotage and clear the area of illegal activities.
“The Navy remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate illegal bunkering operations and restore order in the oil-rich Niger Delta region,” he assured.
