Navy tough on oil theft, recovers N1b stolen crude

The Nigerian Navy may have recorded another major breakthrough in oil theft, as troops of Operation Dakatar Da Barawo recovered over N1 billion of stolen crude and others in the last two weeks.

Its spokesman, Commodore Olukayode Ayo-Vaughan, said in continuation with the fight against Crude Oil Theft (COT) and Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and illegal bunkering, Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO (OPDDB) had continually achieved outlined objectives in the Areas of Operation (AOO).

He said: “Notably, on June 1, 2022, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER at Rivers State, conducted a swamp buggy operation in some identified IRS during which 13 refining ovens, six reservoirs and two storage tanks were destroyed. Additionally, the IRS operators had abandoned two gas cylinders and fled at the sight of the navy.

“The gas cylinders were handled appropriately. Similarly, NNS DELTA at Warri located and deactivated an IRS within a creek around Omadino Community in Warri South LGA of Delta State.”

The site had seven ovens, eight metal storage tanks and two pits cumulatively laden with about 3,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and about 6,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.

“The site and products were neutralised appropriately. Also, four pumping machines and one 40hp outboard engine were recovered from the site.”

He added: “Also, on June 2, 2022, NNS SOROH arrested two trucks laden with suspected illegally sourced sludge at Opolo area in Yenagoa. The trucks were enroute Koko in Delta State, without valid documents and approvals. A total of five suspects were, therefore, apprehended and are in custody for prosecution.”