The operation, spearheaded by the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, uncovered an extensive illegal oil refining site capable of producing over 9.6 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) per day.

During the operation, three wooden boats with a combined storage capacity of 70 metric tons were seized by naval personnel.

Speaking to journalists, Commodore Igbo revealed that the suspects were caught siphoning crude oil from a tapped oil wellhead located within the Oil Mining Lease (OML-18) operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He emphasized that the wellhead had been significantly compromised by the alleged oil thieves.

Expressing dismay at the scale of economic sabotage observed at the site, Commodore Igbo stressed the Navy's unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal oil refining activities in the region.

"This is Elem Krakama in Degema LGA of Rivers State. We have come here to ensure that this oil stealing will not continue," stated Commodore Igbo. "We have about 16 cooking pots, some of them containing about 6,000 litres each. It is very extensive, as you can see where they are tapping it from right from the oil wellhead."

The discovery of a large 14-inch hose illegally connected to the oil wellhead underscored the audacity and scale of the illicit operation.

Commodore Igbo reiterated the Navy's determination to combat illegal oil bunkering activities effectively, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities to curb such criminal enterprises.

The arrests and seizure represent a significant step in the ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria's oil resources and uphold the rule of law in the region.