Navy disrupts three illegal refineries, recovers 85,000 liters in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining and crude oil theft, successfully disrupting three illegal refining sites in Rivers State. The operation, conducted by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, also resulted in the recovery of approximately 85,000 liters of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Naval authorities reported that the operation took place in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, following credible intelligence regarding criminal activities. The discovered sites contained eight dugout pits, sacks, and reservoirs filled with the suspected illegally refined AGO. These sites and the recovered products were handled in accordance with established procedures for combating crude oil theft.

This latest action follows a similar disruption of two illegal refining sites in the same general area on August 3, 2026, by NNS Pathfinder. The Nigerian Navy highlighted that the repeated disruptions demonstrate their sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from re-establishing operational bases and illicit refining infrastructure.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, stated that the continuous operational pressure is yielding positive results, with a noticeable decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites. He emphasized the Navy's commitment to Operation Delta Sentinel, aimed at protecting critical national assets, disrupting illegal petroleum supply chains, and supporting the Federal Government's efforts to strengthen the oil and gas sector and safeguard the nation's economic interests.

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The continued operational pressure is also yielding positive results, with a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the area. This demonstrates the growing impact of sustained naval action in degrading the activities of crude oil theft and illegal refining networks.