Crackdown on Illegal Refining Sites

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and deactivated three newly established illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering about 61,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products. This operation was conducted under the sustained crackdown on crude oil theft known as Operation Delta Sentinel.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State at the weekend, targeted reactivated illegal refining infrastructure. These sites are linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities that continue to threaten the region's economic stability.

Discovery and Recovery of Petroleum Products

The Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, confirmed that the operation led to the discovery and deactivation of three illegal refining sites established by suspected oil thieves. The scale of the recovery highlights the magnitude of the illegal operations in the area.

During the operation, personnel recovered approximately 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to 61,000 litres.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy

Folorunsho noted that the discovery demonstrates the persistence of criminal elements in attempting to revive illegal refining activities despite ongoing military operations. He emphasized that the discovery highlights the continued attempts by criminal elements to reactivate and expand illegal refining operations despite sustained enforcement efforts.

Recurring Criminal Infrastructure in Rivers

According to the Navy, similar illegal refining facilities had been dismantled within the same general area in July 2026. The renewed activity is considered evidence of the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to re-establish their operations in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis.

It will be recalled that similar illegal refining infrastructure was dismantled within the same general area in July 2026, underscoring the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to re-establish their activities.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy

The Navy spokesman noted that sustained operational presence across identified hotspots has continued to frustrate attempts by economic saboteurs to rebuild their illegal networks. This presence is crucial for protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government's efforts to enhance oil production and economic security.

Commitment to Dismantling Theft Networks

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and disrupting crude oil theft networks across the country's oil-producing communities.

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Safe to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and safeguard Nigeria's oil and gas resources.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy

By maintaining a persistent presence in these hotspots, the Navy aims to deny economic saboteurs the opportunity to rebuild their networks, ultimately safeguarding Nigeria's vital oil and gas resources for national development.