The Nigerian Navy said it has arrested five suspects who were in charge of illegal refineries in the Ijawkiri area of Rivers State.

Director of Information and Public Relations, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Christian Ezekobe said five Cotonou boats laden with illegally refined oil were discovered and destroyed.

He said, “The naval patrol team deployed from Forward Operating Base, Bonny, under the maritime component of OPs DELTA SAFE on Friday apprehended some illegal refinery owners.

“The team also discovered and destroyed four illegal refineries set up at Ijawkiri in Rivers State. Five persons were arrested in connection with the sites while items destroyed were five Cotonou boats laden with products suspected to be crude oil and another Cotonou boat loaded with illegally refined diesel.

“Other items destroyed included 12 tanks laden with illegally refined diesel and six tanks laden with products, suspected to be crude oil.”

Azeez