Navy shuts down 241 illegal refineries in 11 months ...Seizes 29m litres of crude oil
Port Harcourt -- The Nigerian Navy says it has shut down over 241 illegal refineries and arrested 23 vessels involved in illegal oil bunkering activities within the Eastern Naval Command between February and December this year.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, disclosed that the Navy has also seized 29.3 million litres of crude oil, 34.8 million litres of AGO or diesel and 4.5 million litres of kerosene within the period under review.
Dewu said since he assumed office on February 4, 2022, he has successfully undertaken the Chief of Naval Staff's directives in the areas of operations, fleet renewal and infrastructural development.
Speaking at the 2022 dinner and award night held at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, the Eastern Naval boss said 1,563 bags of smuggled rice and other contrabands were also seized by the Command.
He added that the Command successfully participated in two sea exercises, “Exercise Obangame” and “Exercise Edi Diana” with two capital ships and other offshore patrol boats as well as hosted the 2022 Navy Week, which had in attendance the Naval heads from Gulf of Guinea states as well as South American and European navies.
"The command was able to shut down more than 241 illegal refineries, destroyed over 361 wooden boats, arrested 23 vessels involved in illegalities. Our effort led to the destruction of over 387 metal ovens, covered over 198 dugout pits and arrested and arrested 190 suspects involved in various forms of economic sabotage.