Ondo: Navy Destroys Illegal Refineries, Seizes 35,000 Litres Of Crude
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda has dismantled nine illegal refining sites and destroyed 35,000 litres of crude oil and illegally refined diesel in the Obenla community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo state.
The Commander of the Base, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, who disclosed this to journalists on Thursday, stated that the operation, carried out on January 6, 2025, was based on credible intelligence.
On arrival at the scene, the perpetrators, ostensibly aware of the coming of security operatives, had fled for fear of arrest.
“However, the entire area was crammed, and we discovered about 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil, which was yet to be cooked, and about 15,000 litres of illegally refined products suspected to be automatic gas oil (AGO), or diesel”, Usman said adding that it was another achievement for the Nigerian Navy in her efforts to clean up the environment and prevent all acts of illegalities by perpetrators against the Nigerian state.
While assuring that “these efforts will continue until all illegalities are stopped, and this will be sustained as long as possible”, the Commander sensitised residents of the Obenla community on the dangers of harbouring such activities.
He also stated that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts to stop all acts of illegality, advising criminals to find legitimate businesses to do.
