Nigerian Navy Foils Illegal Refining Expansion, Recovers 104,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has thwarted an attempt by crude oil theft syndicates to expand their illegal refining operations in Rivers State, recovering about 104,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during a major operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, followed credible intelligence that led troops to criminal infrastructure hidden within the Wakama/Bolo and Aworkiri communities in Bonny Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was aimed at preventing economic saboteurs from establishing new illegal refining sites and sustaining illicit petroleum production in the area.

Folorunsho disclosed that naval personnel uncovered nine illegal refining sites containing 23 dugout pits. Of these, 18 pits held an estimated 104,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil, while five newly excavated pits, prepared for immediate use, were destroyed before becoming operational.

The operation also led to the recovery of eight locally fabricated refining pots and three large storage tanks, significantly degrading the refining capacity of the criminal network. He noted that all illegal facilities and recovered products were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.

The Navy said the latest operation underscores its determination not only to dismantle existing illegal refining camps but also to prevent criminal syndicates from rebuilding or expanding their infrastructure.

It added that by targeting both active and emerging illegal refining hubs, the Service is weakening the operational capability of crude oil theft syndicates while safeguarding Nigeria's vital oil and gas infrastructure.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle criminal logistics networks, protect strategic national assets, and preserve the integrity of the nation's petroleum sector.