The Nigerian Navy has successfully intercepted a wooden boat carrying illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) destined for Cameroon, as part of its intensified efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Navy on its verified social media platforms, personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka conducted the operation on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, intercepting the wooden vessel loaded with drums of illegally refined PMS as it attempted to cross into Cameroonian waters.
Multiple Operations Against Oil Theft
In a related development, the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA discovered and deactivated an illegal refinery site in Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The operation led to the dismantling of sophisticated equipment used in the illegal refining process, including a wooden boat, pumping machine, four dug-out pits, and several drums containing an unspecified amount of stolen crude oil.
These operations are part of the Nigerian Navy's ongoing campaign to curb the theft of Nigeria's petroleum resources and protect the nation's maritime borders from criminal activities.
Economic Impact of Oil Theft
The illegal refining and smuggling of petroleum products have continued to pose significant challenges to Nigeria's economy, causing substantial revenue losses and environmental damage in affected communities.
The Nigerian Navy's recent successes in intercepting these illegal operations demonstrate the military's commitment to safeguarding the nation's natural resources and combating economic sabotage.
While no arrests were mentioned in the report, the Nigerian Navy has previously warned criminals operating in the maritime domain of its resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.
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