The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) in Delta says it has destroyed a dump site used for illegal refining activities in the Obotebe community, Burutu Local Government Area of the state.

The commander of the NNS, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Warri on Saturday.

Mr Zubairu stated that the illegal refining dump site was uncovered by navy personnel on Thursday and was subsequently destroyed.

He said the exercise was in line with Operation Delta Sanity 11, under the mandate and strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

Mr Zubairu explained that the exercise was in continuation of the war against crude oil theft, illegal oil refining and pipeline vandalism within the NNS areas of operation.

“On June 19, 14 personnel of the NNS Delta were deployed with gunboats and speedboats for the exercise.

“The team proceeded to the Obotebe community in Burutu Local Government Area, where they discovered a dump site used for illegal refining activities. The illegal refining site was immediately destroyed,” he said.

Mr Zubairu said that one 1.5 HP Yamaha engine, a power-generating set, six pumping machines, and two rolls of hose were recovered from the site.

(NAN)