Navy Disrupts 2 Illegal Refining Sites, Recovers 58,000 Litres in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has disrupted two illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 58,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.

The operation was conducted on October 3, 2026, by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, at Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the operation followed credible intelligence on suspected crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the area.

According to the statement, the naval team discovered two illegal refining sites containing nine dugout pits, storage containers and sacks laden with suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.

The operation, the Navy said, denied criminal operators access to facilities used for the storage and processing of stolen petroleum resources, thereby disrupting the supply chain supporting illegal refining activities in the area.

The two illegal refining sites and the recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.

The Navy, however, said no arrest was made as the suspected operators fled the area before the arrival of the naval personnel.