Navy Recovers 33,000 Litres of Illegally Refined Products in Rivers

Navy Recovers 33,000 Litres of Illegally Refined Products in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining activities in Rivers State, disrupting two illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The operation, conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER on September 6, 2026, was carried out in the Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval team discovered eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs linked to the illicit refining activities during the operation.

He said the recovered products and the affected sites were subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures.

The latest operation comes amid sustained efforts by the Navy to prevent the resurgence of illegal refining activities in the area. The service had earlier disrupted two illegal refining sites in the same area on August 28.

The Navy said its continued operations were constraining the ability of illegal operators to rebuild and sustain their activities.

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

The Navy reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, as part of broader efforts to protect the nation’s oil assets and curb activities capable of undermining the country’s economy and environment.