Nigerian Navy Dismantles Reactivated Illegal Refining Sites, Recovers 61,000 Litres of Petroleum Products in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, dismantling three reactivated illegal refining sites and recovering about 61,000 litres of petroleum products in Rivers State.

The operation, carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, targeted newly established illegal refining infrastructure linked to crude oil theft syndicates operating in the area.

According to a statement issued by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the operation led to the recovery of approximately 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The products were concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to 61,000 litres.

The Navy said the latest operation underscores the persistent efforts of criminal elements to revive illegal refining activities despite sustained security operations across the Niger Delta.

It recalled that similar illegal refining infrastructure had been dismantled within the same general area in July 2026, indicating the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to re-establish their operations.

The Service noted that its sustained operational presence in identified hotspots has continued to frustrate attempts by economic saboteurs to rebuild their networks while safeguarding critical national assets.

The statement added that the operations are also supporting the Federal Government's drive to boost oil production, curb economic sabotage and strengthen national economic security.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and protect Nigeria's oil and gas resources.