The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal refining and crude oil theft in Rivers State, dismantling two illegal refining sites and recovering about 34,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
The operation was carried out on 28 August 2026 by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Nigerian Navy, the operation led to the identification and deactivation of the two illegal refining sites, where approximately 34,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered.
The products were stored in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs, alongside other equipment and materials associated with illegal refining activities.
The Navy said the operation was part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure and criminal networks within the area.
It noted that the continued operations have contributed to a reduction in attempts by suspected operators to reactivate illegal refining sites across the general area.
No arrest was made during the latest operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval personnel. The recovered products and other items were, however, handled in line with established procedures for combating crude oil theft and illegal refining.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining, protect critical national assets and safeguard legitimate economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environment.
The development underscores the Navy’s continued role in the Federal Government’s broader efforts to curb economic sabotage and protect Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
