The 14 suspects arrested were handed over to the NSCDC for prosecution on April 4, 2024.
By Able Winnard
NNS Pathfinder, a Nigerian Navy Ship has dismantled 16 illegal refineries in Elem-Krakama community, Degema Local Government Area in Rivers State. These refineries could refine 9.6 million liters of crude oil.
Additionally, 210 metric tonnes of crude oil was seized from the operation uncovering illegal refineries on the 3rd of April 2024.
Fourteen (14) suspects were arrested. Among them was a woman who was caught with a 14-inch pipe allegedly siphoning over 210 metric tonnes of crude oil, from wellhead 15 within OML 18 operated by NNPC Ltd.
The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, CDRE DOC Igbo, stated, “I have engaged with their leaders, paramount chiefs, and community leaders, but it appears they are not relenting, and we will not relent either.”
He also highlighted the discovery of 16 cooking pots at the illegal refining site, each containing about 600 thousand liters of crude oil. These pots were used to tap directly from the oil wellhead belonging to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd.
Furthermore, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, has mandated the continuation of such operations to combat illegal refining activities.
The 14 suspects arrested were handed over to NSCDC for prosecution on April 4, 2024.
