The Nigerian Navy has recovered about 83,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs in Rivers, according to an operational report published on Thursday.

Mr Folorunsho said that the recovery followed the latest operation conducted within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of the state.

He said that the operation also led to the discovery and deactivation of two illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities in the area.

According to him, the navy has again sustained an offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta by disrupting additional illegal refining infrastructure in Rivers under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

“The development comes just days after the discovery and deactivation of similar illegal refining infrastructure within the same general area, highlighting persistent attempts by economic saboteurs to reactivate illicit operations in spite of sustained enforcement efforts.

“The recurring discoveries underscore the effectiveness of the navy’s sustained operational presence in identified hotspots, which continues to deny criminal elements the freedom to establish and maintain illegal refining networks.

“By maintaining pressure on these criminal enterprises, the service is contributing significantly to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure and the preservation of national economic interests,” he said.

The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks, combating crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and energy assets through sustained operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

(NAN)