**Navy Cracks Down on Oil Theft: Destroys Illegal Refinery, Intercepts Stolen Fuel in Rivers and Cross River** The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its efforts to curb crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, carrying out a series of operations in Rivers and Cross River states. According to the Director of Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy's Operation DELTA SENTINEL has led to the destruction of a reactivated illegal refinery site in Okolomade Community, Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State. The operation was triggered by intelligence reports that a previously dismantled refinery had resumed operations. Upon investigation, the Navy's team discovered that the dismantled refining oven had been reconstructed, and additional equipment and storage facilities were found, containing about 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The Navy's personnel destroyed the refinery infrastructure, including ovens, storage tanks, hoses, and connected pipes, in line with operational procedures. In another operation, the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory intercepted about 3,950 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority area in Calabar, Cross River State. The interception was based on credible intelligence on suspected siphoning of petroleum products from vessels berthed at the port. The Navy's patrol team quickly deployed to the area and tracked down the illegally siphoned products to a trailer park within the port facility. When the suspected perpetrators saw the naval team, they fled the scene, and the area was cordoned off, with the stolen products secured. These operations demonstrate the Navy's commitment to curbing oil theft and illegal bunkering in Nigeria. The country loses billions of naira to this illegal activity every year, and it is essential that all agencies work together to stop it. The Navy's efforts are a significant step in the right direction, and we hope that this trend continues, ensuring that our nation's resources are protected and utilized for the benefit of all citizens.