The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, dismantling multiple illicit sites and disrupting suspected oil theft networks in Rivers and Bayelsa states.
In a statement, naval authorities said the operations were carried out by NNS PATHFINDER and NNS SOROH following actionable intelligence.
On May 1, personnel of NNS PATHFINDER deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team to Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, where five illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled around Egboama-Ogbogolo community.
According to the Navy, the sites comprised about 15 dug-out pits, storage facilities and reservoirs containing an estimated 85,000 litres of suspected crude oil and 78,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Investigations indicated the products were being siphoned from a nearby wellhead, although the operating company could not be immediately identified.
The illegal infrastructure and petroleum products were destroyed in line with operational guidelines. No arrests were made, as suspects reportedly fled upon sighting naval personnel.
In a related operation, NNS SOROH personnel responded to intelligence on suspected oil theft activity near the Soku Gas Plant pipeline corridor in Bayelsa State.
A search of the area led to the recovery of equipment used for illegal pipeline connections, including 10 jerrycans, hoses measuring approximately 300 metres and 200 metres respectively, and a 20-metre pipe concealed in nearby bushes.
As with the Rivers operation, no suspects were apprehended, with authorities indicating that those involved had fled before troops arrived.
The Navy said the operations underscore its resolve to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment. Efforts are ongoing to track fleeing suspects and dismantle associated criminal networks.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, the service urged members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing operations against oil theft and related crimes.
