He said such networks serve as critical links between illegal refining camps and end users.
“The location served as a meeting point and operational base for criminals who emerged from adjoining creeks to coordinate attacks,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations.
He said that the suspects intended to go to Europe.
Mr Folorunsho said an anti-crude oil theft patrol team was deployed to the area, leading to the discovery of an active illegal refining site.
He said the action followed credible intelligence.
Director of Naval Information, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, stated that the latest addition to the Nigerian Navy fleet would operate in tandem with the OSV 190 “NNS LANA’’.
The rescue operation occurred at about 10:00 p.m. in the Rijiyar Lemu and Bachirawa areas.
