BY SOLOMON ABORISADE
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites containing approximately ninety-eight thousand litres of petroleum products in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER led to the discovery of about sixty-five thousand litres of suspected stolen crude oil and thirty-three thousand litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in approximately twelve dugout pits and containers.
The statement said no arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the naval team arrived, adding that the sites and associated products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
Captain Folorunsho stated that the discovery highlights the scale of illicit petroleum storage in the area and the risk of the products entering unlawful distribution channels. The operation denied the suspects access to a substantial volume of petroleum products intended for further illegal handling and sale.
The Naval spokesman said the Navy would sustain intelligence-led patrols and operations to identify illegal refining facilities, disrupt the storage and movement of suspected stolen petroleum products, and support efforts to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.