The Nigerian Navy (NN) says it has intensified efforts to clampdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, the Navy said its efforts has led to the destruction of more illegal refineries and arrest of perpetrators.
The statement read, “In one of the sites raided by the patrol team deployed by NNS DELTA on 8 Nov 2016, the team destroyed about 10 metric tonnes (MT) of product suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Ogbodede Community in Warri South LGA of Delta State.
“This is a follow up to an earlier raid in which 3 persons were arrested for their involvement in illegal bunkery operations.
It added, “In a related development, the Nigerian Navy has observed that illegal refinery operators in the Niger Delta now refine Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) against the popular Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“The latest development affirms the desperation by these criminal elements to devise other means of perpetuating economic sabotage.
“Preliminary investigation has proven that the illegal refinery operators have chosen to refine Kerosene to conveniently sell to innocent customers who are mostly local users.”
Ezekobe issued a stern warning to those involved in the illegal business.
“The NN and other security agencies will continue to wage onslaught on these criminals in an effort to stop the illicit business.
“Consequently, the NN wishes to warn the general public particularly local consumers on the dangers of patronizing adulterated DPK and to further state that the product is not good for domestic use,” he said.
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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