The Nigerian Navy has intensified its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, uncovering 163,000 litres of illegal petroleum products and dismantling five illegal refining sites at Egboama-Ogbogolo community in Rivers State.
According to the Navy spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the products comprised 85,000 litres of crude oil and 78,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The products were sourced from a nearby wellhead, and both the infrastructure and products were neutralised in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No suspects were arrested as they fled upon sighting the advancing naval personnel. In a related operation, naval personnel responded to intelligence about suspected oil thieves moving towards the Soku Gas Plant pipeline corridor in Bayelsa State. Items recovered included 10 jerrycans, a 3-inch red hose measuring approximately 300 metres, a 4-inch brown hose of about 200 metres, and a blue pipe of about 20 metres in length, all concealed in nearby bushes.
Navy Storms Militant Hideout in Cross River
In another development, the Navy stormed Dayspring Island in Cross River State, routing militants and demolishing their hideout. Folorunsho said the Navy also imposed a 13-hour restriction on maritime movement from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am to choke criminal activities along the Calabar–Oron channel.
The operation established a forward security outpost at Idung 1 (Peacock Crossing), providing a tactical foothold for sustained dominance of the creeks and adjoining waterways, forcing militants to abandon their positions. Navy personnel, in conjunction with troops of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, secured key waterways and denied criminals freedom of movement.
Exploitation of the area led to the discovery and destruction of a militant hideout linked to a notorious suspect known as “Juju” in the Idung axis. The suspect fled in disarray, abandoning two boats fitted with outboard engines, which were immediately seized. The hideout was demolished to prevent future use as a criminal sanctuary.
Prior to the intervention, militant elements operated with impunity, conducting kidnappings and extorting riverine communities. The Navy remains resolute and will sustain this aggressive posture to flush out all criminal elements and ensure the maritime environment remains secure for lawful activities.
