NAVY TARGETS REACTIVATED ILLEGAL REFINING SITES, RECOVERS 61,000 LITRE PRODUCTS IN RIVERS

The Nigerian Navy has sustained operational pressure against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities under Operation Delta Sentinel, recording significant success in Rivers State, and disrupting reactivated illegal refining infrastructure.

The operation which was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis, led to the discovery and deactivation of three newly established illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities in the area.

Naval spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said the personnel recovered 43,000 litres of products of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to 61,000 litres.

According to Folorunsho, the latest discovery highlights the continued attempts by criminal elements to reactivate and expand illegal refining operations in spite of sustained enforcement efforts.

Recalling that similar illegal refining infrastructure was dismantled within the same general area in July 2026, the Naval spokesman said the discovery Underscores the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to re-establish their activities.

“By maintaining sustained operational presence across identified hotspots, the Nigerian Navy continues to deny economic saboteurs the opportunity to rebuild their networks, while protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance oil production and economic security.”

He said the Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.