Navy Disrupts Two Illegal Refining Sites, Recovers 34,000 Litres of Petroleum Products in Rivers

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State, as personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 34,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The operation, conducted on August 28, 2026, took place around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.

The naval team, acting on intelligence, identified and deactivated the two illegal refining sites, where the suspected illegally refined petroleum products were stored in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs.

Other materials and items associated with illegal refining activities were also recovered from the sites.

The Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the operation was part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area.

According to him, the continued interventions by the naval formation have contributed to a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the general area.

He said the identified sites, recovered products and other associated items were handled in accordance with established procedures for combating crude oil theft and illegal refining.

No arrest was made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled the area before the arrival of the naval personnel.

The Nigerian Navy said it would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the country's maritime and riverine environment.

The operations are also aimed at protecting critical national assets, curbing economic sabotage and safeguarding legitimate economic activities in the oil-producing communities.

The latest intervention further underscores the Navy's ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure and reduce activities capable of undermining the country's revenue and energy security.