Eight illegal refining plants in Awoye and Oge-bioku axis in the Ilaje council area of the state have been deactivated, while men from the Navy Forward Operating Base, FOB in the Igbokoda region of Ondo state, have obstructed the activities of illegal oil bunkering.
The exercise, according to Navy Captain Wasuku Alush, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, was carried out in support of Operation Delta Sanity 2, which aims to stop criminal activity in the Niger Delta, particularly illicit buckering and the theft of crude oil.
Alushi stated during the exercise, “You will recall that on the 10th of January this year, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Okala, flagged off Operation Delta Sanity with the overall goal of sanitising the Niger Delta environment from the menace of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other illegal related vices.
“Following the success of Delta Sanity 1, Delta Sanity 2 was launched on April 10, 2024, with a similar mandate. “What we did was still in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Sanity 2, which was to combat criminal activities such as crude oil theft, illicit oil bunkering, and other vices in the Niger Delta environment.
“We were able to storm into their camps, which are illegal refining facilities. Six were located near Awoye, with another two found along the Oge-Bioku axis. Eight of these camps were deactivated today.
According to Alushi, the criminal elements’ tactics have evolved marginally from prior operations
“As you can see, they are moving deeper into the streams, making it difficult for us to reach those locations because they are aware that the boats have limitations. “Regardless, we developed our own plan, which is why we are able to maintain this element of surprise.
“We have our own strategy, which is to apprehend criminal elements when they are syphoning crude oil, at the illegal refining plant, or when they are attempting to transship finished products.
“As a Base, we will continue to pursue the mission of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogala, until we have freed our Area of Operations from these criminal forces who are sabotaging our shared prosperity. “We will continue to work together with well-meaning partners, traditional rulers and all the good people of Ondo State who have been providing us with credible intelligence”
Alushi also stated that they will do everything possible to combat crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in their area of operations. He did, however, tell the criminals to stop and reconsider their actions.
What they’re saying
According to him,
“we will use every available means within our limited resources to get at them and ensure that they pay a high price for their crimes.”
Final Thoughts
While the Navy’s actions are essential, addressing the root causes of these illegal activities, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities in the Niger Delta, is equally important. Sustainable solutions should include economic development and job creation to provide alternatives for those involved in illegal oil activities.
