Operatives of the Nigerian Navy ship (NNS) Pathfinder have uncovered over 200,000 litres of alleged illegally refined diesel at a residence in the Okwuzi community of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA in Rivers state.

Desmond Igbo, NNS Pathfinder commander, told journalists on Wednesday that operatives found the petroleum products packed in sacks.

He added that the product was suspected to have been from “crude oil siphoned from pipelines in the area”.

Igbo said Navy personnel arrested the owner of the property and one of his workers during the raid.

“The operation was conducted based on credible intelligence, leading us to a private compound used solely for illegal refining of petroleum products,” NAN quoted the commander as saying.

“About 200,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, bagged in sacks, are suspected to be a product of crude oil siphoned from pipelines in the area.

“We arrested the owner of the property and one of his workers, while efforts are ongoing to arrest others involved in the criminal act.

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“Recall that a few weeks ago, the Nigerian Navy relaunched phase three of Operation Delta Sanity aimed at curbing crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and related illicit activities in the Niger Delta.

“The stealing of crude oil is bad for the economy, and so NNS Pathfinder is determined to apprehend those undermining the nation’s economy, whether on land or water.”

He said the suspects would be handed over to the prosecuting agencies.