Navy sustains operational control over illegal refining hotspots

The Nigerian Navy continues to exert operational control over illegal oil refining hotspots in Rivers state under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, effectively preventing criminal elements from reactivating dismantled infrastructure. This sustained effort aims to curb illegal oil bunkering and protect national economic interests.

According to an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated illegal refining sites in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area on July 10. Despite these successes, criminal elements persisted in their attempts to restart operations.

In a follow-up operation, NNS PATHFINDER personnel rediscovered and deactivated two reactivated illegal refining sites. They recovered approximately 76,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil and an additional 50,000 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in seven dugout pits and reservoirs. The total volume of recovered petroleum products exceeded 126,000 liters.

"The operation demonstrates the navy’s determination to deny crude oil thieves the opportunity to regain operational footholds or rebuild illegal refining infrastructure within its area of responsibility," Capt. Folorunsho stated. He reaffirmed the navy's commitment to intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, protect critical national assets, and bolster Nigeria's economic security.

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The operation demonstrates the navy’s determination to deny crude oil thieves the opportunity to regain operational footholds or rebuild illegal refining infrastructure within its area of responsibility.