In continuation of its crackdown on crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals, the Nigerian Navy has raided an illegal refinery site at Ikoh Imoh Community in Akwa Ibom State. The operation was carried out by a patrol team deployed by NNS Jubilee.

“During the operation, the patrol team destroyed a Cotonou boat laden with suspected stolen crude oil, 103 drums of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and two motorcycles,” the Navy said in a statement issued by its Director of Information, Commodore Christian Odogwu Ezekobe.

“Similarly, on 12 August, 2016 at about 0630, patrol team deployed by NNS Delta raided several illegal refinery sites along Jones Creek in Delta State. During the raid, the patrol team destroyed unquantifiable amount of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.

“In a related development, the Nigerian Navy Ship Nwamba on 13 August, 2016, at about 1000 arrested Marine Vessel (MV) Star Shrimper. The vessel was alleged to have tried to evade interrogation when intercepted by the Nigerian Navy Vessel, with an unclear reason for its action. The vessel and its crew are being investigated.

“The Nigerian Navy is therefore reiterating its resolve to eliminate all forms of economic sabotage and criminal activities in the maritime areas.”