The Central Naval Command in Bayelsa State has destroyed 1,500 drums of diesel and one illegal oil refining camp in Ekpemu Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Real Admiral Apochi Suleiman, Flag Officer Commanding of the Command, who disclosed this in Warri, said the operation was in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy Ship.
Suleiman said a 30-year-old lady and two men, suspected to be oil thieves, were also arrested during the operation.
“The illegal petroleum refining camp destroyed is one of the major camps in the Niger-Delta region basically for illegal oil business.
“In the camp, we also discovered 15 containers filled with oil products, 10 locally made boats and stolen crude oil.
“The Nigerian Navy is ready to flush oil thieves out of the Niger-Delta region; there is no room for criminals in the waterways this season,” he said.
Suleiman advised youths in the area to engage in legitimate business as the Navy was poised to deal with all forms of illegal oil activities in the region.
“You must support our activities by giving useful information to combat this form of crime along the waterways,” he added.
By Pita Ochai
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