The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 31 dugout pits at two suspected illegal refining sites containing approximately 62,050 litres of petroleum products during an anti-crude theft operation in Rivers.

This is contained in an operational report by the director of naval information, Abiodun Folorunsho, on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Mr Folorunsho, the sites were discovered in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers, on September 8 by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

“The operation led to the discovery of 31 dugout pits containing about 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 4,050 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

“The team also recovered six sacks and one keg containing additional quantities of suspected illegally refined AGO.

“The sites, located within the Orashi Forest and the wider Ogbogolo area, were handled in accordance with extant regulations,” he said.

He disclosed that no arrest was made because the suspects fled upon seeing the naval team.

Mr Folorunsho highlighted the efficiency of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, noting that since its inception, it had ended numerous busts, reinforcing the service’s commitment to eradicate illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.

He also reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to denying perpetrators access to the facilities used to store and process petroleum products, thus protecting Nigeria’s oil resources and economic interests.

(NAN)