The Nigerian Navy says it has destroyed 40 illegal refineries, equipment and petroleum products worth N3 billion. This was the outcome of a special operation in the Niger Delta termed “Operations Rivers sweep”.
They didn’t explain how they arrived at the valuation price…. But here is the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. James Oluwole, on quote
“Operation Rivers Sweep was activated on Jan. 8 to stem the tide of increasing and disturbing reports of illegal bunkering in Onne general area. “Over some months now, we have discovered that lots of illegal refineries are operating within the area with stealthily and specially designed dug-in canoes moving stolen petroleum products.
“In the operation, two vessels MV Lewis Ejiro and MV Lady Swithin were impounded while 40 illegal refineries, 60 large wooden and speed boats loaded with 5.24 million litres of diesel were destroyed.
“Other items recovered by troops included three generators, 16 pumping machines, two welding machines, three outboard engines and two hoses.
“The total estimated loss for the destroyed illegal refineries and other equipment is about N3 billion”.
