By Joy Odor
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General JOHN ENENCHE has disclosd that the Maritime Component of Operation DELTA SAFE has recorded tremendous successes against economic saboteurs in continuation with anti Crude Oil Theft (COT) and other economic sabotage operation in the South-South zone of the country.
He made the disclosure during a press briefing on the activities of Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies involved in various operations across the country which covers the period from 17 – 23 July 2020 in Abuja on 24 July 2020.
Gen. Enenche noted that within the week under review, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER patrol team, using drone, discovered an illegal refining site around Cawthorne Channel.
According to him, the site had 2 metal reservoirs laden with an estimated 300,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and a large wooden boat containing 3.14 barrels of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
Gen. Enenche said the wooden boat and products were dismantled while the site was deactivated.
“Additionally, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in conjunction with Forward Operating Base BONNY located an illegal refining site at Bille Creek with one tarpaulin and 2 metal reservoirs stored with about 60,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 125.7 barrels of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
“The storage facilities and product were dismantled while the site was deactivated.
“Similarly, on 16 Jul 20, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA team intercepted 2 large wooden boats along Aladja Creek.
“The boats were laden with about 40,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO stored in polythene bags.
“The boats and contents were recovered to the base.
“Following closely, operations CALM WATERS and SWIFT RESPONSE, on 18 July 2020, impounded petroleum products as well as arrested boats involved in illegal activities.
“Furthermore, within the week Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS patrol team, intercepted a wooden boat without engine along Madangho creek Warri South West LGA of Delta State.
“The boat, which contained an unquantified product suspected to be illegally refined AGO, was dismantled.
“Thereafter, the team proceeded to Jones Creek general area where another wooden boat without engine laden with about 345.94 barrels of product suspected to be stolen crude oil was discovered and intercepted” he stressed.
The Military High Command commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their doggedness and commitment.
They are also encouraged to remain resolute and decisive in curtailing the activities of all criminal elements in the country.
Members of the general public are reassured that the Nigerian Military will continue to tackle the security challenges to ensure that normalcy is attained in all the geo political zones of the Country.
