Nigerian navy destroys 8 illegal crude oil refineries

The Nigerian Navy discovered and destroyed eight illegal crude oil refineries and arrested two suspected oil thieves, it said on Monday. In a statement, spokesman Abdulsalam Sani said the Navy also discovered and destroyed a large metal barge and a boat in the Ogu/ Bolo local government area during their routine patrol of creeks in Rivers State in southern Nigeria. It said the two suspects arrested were currently interrogated to unravel their sponsors. "As part of renewed efforts to eliminate illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the region, the Navy will continue to show its presence in the creeks all round the clock. "We advise all those involved in oil theft to seek legitimate employment rather than sabotage the nation's economy through illegal oil bunkering activities," Sani said in the statement. He called on the public to report anyone involved in oil theft and pipeline vandalism to security agencies in the state.