- Nigerian Navy destroyed 60 illegal refinery sites and confiscated 293,900 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
- Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande disclosed the recovery of 412,000 liters of stolen crude oil and emphasized anti-smuggling efforts
The Nigerian Navy has reported the destruction of 60 illegal refinery sites in the Niger Delta region between January and April 2024.
Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), disclosed that the navy also confiscated and demolished approximately 293,900 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during this period.
Addressing journalists in his office in Calabar, Rear Admiral Akinwande further revealed the recovery of 412,000 litres of stolen crude oil. He attributed a notable reduction in air pollution to the demolition of these illegal refinery sites across the Niger Delta.
The FOC emphasized the navy’s anti-smuggling efforts, citing the interception of 78 bags of 50kg parboiled rice and various petroleum products.
In response to heightened illegal bunkering syndicates and maritime crimes in the state, Akinwande noted an increase in maritime guard posts along the Calabar-Oron-Ibaka water channel, from two to six.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the Chief of Naval Staff had deployed four additional warships to the ENC. These warships, NNS Oji, NNS Ose, NNS Ekulu, and NNS Badagry, aim to bolster maritime security efforts in the region. Akinwande highlighted that this deployment ensures an average of two ships patrol daily within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
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