…discovers 3,000 litres of refined diesel
By Tola Gbadamosi
In a renewed crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in Ondo State’s riverine areas, operatives of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, have uncovered and dismantled an illegal refinery in the Obe-Jedo and Obe-Adun communities of Ilaje Local Government area of the state.
The Commander of the FOB, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the operation, said seven suspects were arrested at the scene, while locally made guns and machetes believed to have been used in resisting the Navy’s intervention were recovered.
During the raid, which followed credible intelligence on economic sabotage and maritime crimes, the Navy discovered about 3,000 litres of refined diesel stored in several jerry cans, as well as multiple cooking ovens used for processing stolen crude oil.
He explained that preliminary investigations however revealed that the arrested suspects were secondary actors in the operation and had since been released. However, the Navy has declared the primary suspects wanted to ensure they face prosecution for economic crimes against the nation.
According to Captain Usman, the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft team initially faced violent resistance from a group of hired youths and women who attempted to shield the illegal activity. To prevent escalation, the operatives withdrew from the area for a tactical reassessment.
The team later returned in the early hours of the following day and discovered that the stolen crude oil and refined products had been moved to a nearby bakery and makeshift structures used as storage facilities. The illegal refinery was subsequently deactivated in line with directives from Defence Headquarters and established operational procedures.
Captain Usman condemned the violent confrontation as a “dangerous innovation” by criminal elements determined to frustrate legitimate security operations and sabotage national resources.
The Navy Commander reiterated that, the anti crude oil theft efforts are in line with the vision and directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
“The Nigerian Navy urges all law-abiding residents of riverine communities in Ondo State to resist being used by oil thieves and illegal bunkerers,” he warned. “These criminal ventures benefit only a few while destroying the livelihoods and ecosystems of the entire community.”
He further cautioned that anyone who obstructs or confronts the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft operations would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.