The President General of notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has commended the Nigerian Navy for intensifying its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across Rivers State under Operation Delta Sentinel.
Amb. Ibe joined other well-meaning individuals and groups in applauding the Navy for dismantling five illegal refining sites and intercepting large quantities of stolen petroleum products in different parts of the state.
*NNS PATHFINDER, NNS SOROH Lead Raids*
According to the Navy, personnel of NNS PATHFINDER raided illegal refining camps in the Egbema axis of ONELGA. The operation led to the shutdown of reactivated facilities and the recovery of tens of thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, hidden in dugout pits and storage reservoirs.
In a separate operation, NNS SOROH dismantled major illegal refining complexes along the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis in Ahoada West Local Government Area. The team destroyed active refining ovens, storage facilities, and networks of dugout pits containing hundreds of thousands of litres of intercepted petroleum products.
The Navy described the operations as part of its sustained effort to combat crude oil theft, protect Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure, reduce environmental damage, and safeguard the nation’s economy.
Reacting to the development, Amb. Emeni Ibe described the Navy’s actions as highly commendable and timely.
He noted that the sustained operations across the Niger Delta to dismantle illegal refining networks and curb economic sabotage are critical to protecting the environment and boosting Nigeria’s oil production.
“We commend the commitment of the Nigerian Navy under Operation Delta Sentinel. This is highly commendable and shows dedication to securing our national assets and preserving the environment of host communities,” Amb. Ibe stated.
The ONC President General urged the Navy and other security agencies to sustain the tempo and deepen collaboration with host communities to ensure lasting peace and protection of oil and gas infrastructure in the region.
He further called on residents to provide credible information that will help security agencies completely eradicate illegal bunkering and its associated environmental hazards in the Niger Delta.
