Navy combs illegal crude bunker in Ondo

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and dismantled nine illegal refining sites in the Obenla community, located in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Captain Aliyu Usman, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, shared this information with the press on Thursday.

The operation, which took place on January 6, 2025, was based on intelligence gathered from reliable sources. During the raid, 20,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 15,000 liters of illegally refined diesel were discovered in a farmhouse used for illegal refining. However, the perpetrators had fled the scene before the Navy’s arrival.

Usman stated that the Navy’s continuous efforts aim to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the country. He explained that the operation uncovered nine illegal refining sites within Obenla’s coastal area. Despite the thieves’ escape, the Navy seized the illegal products and destroyed makeshift structures used by the offenders for their operations. Usman emphasized that the Navy would continue monitoring the area closely.

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He also pointed out that this operation is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to protect the environment, curb illegal activities, and safeguard the nation’s resources. He called on local residents to refrain from harboring oil thieves and urged community leaders to educate the public and report suspicious activities to the authorities. The Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil operations and protecting the economy, Usman assured, would remain unwavering.