The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested five suspects who allegedly ran illegal refineries in the Ijawkiri area of Rivers State.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, who confirmed the arrest, said the navy also discovered and destroyed five Cotonou boats laden with illegally refined oil.
The navy said the suspects, whose names had yet be disclosed, had been handed over to the relevant security agency for further action.
He said, “The naval patrol team deployed from Forward Operating Base, Bonny, under the maritime component of OPs DELTA SAFE on Friday apprehended some illegal refinery owners.
“The team also discovered and destroyed four illegal refineries set up at Ijawkiri in Rivers State. Five persons were arrested in connection with the sites while items destroyed were five Cotonou boats laden with products suspected to be crude oil and another Cotonou boat loaded with illegally refined diesel.
“Other items destroyed included 12 tanks laden with illegally refined diesel and six tanks laden with products, suspected to be crude oil.”
