The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta said it has destroyed 19 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region in the last five weeks, in line with the Chief of Naval staff 's zero tolerance to crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other illegalities..
According to reports, about 2,000 metric tons of stolen crude and illegally refined diesel were destroyed. Four suspected marketers of illegally refined diesel and other petroleum-related products were also arrested.
Naval personnel stormed the Oteghele forest in Warri South-West and Egbokodo forest in Warri South where they destroyed two illegal refineries and a Cotonou-bound boat laden with products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
Crude methods of refining petroleum products according to the Naval boss is destructive to the environment and the Navy is prepared to do more in fighting oil theft and destroying illegal refineries.
“If you get to a place and you are unable to make an arrest, you are not going to leave it like that in the name of degrading the environment, you have to destroy it,’’ he said.
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