The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining sites in Rivers State, uncovering approximately 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in an intelligence-driven operation.
The operation was conducted on November 5, 2026, by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny at Awokiri Community in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, following credible intelligence on the emergence of new illegal refining sites.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the naval team discovered 16 dugout pits at the sites.
According to the statement, nine of the pits contained approximately 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while an additional storage tank held about 2,000 litres.
Four other pits contained water, while three were found to have been freshly excavated.
The Navy said the identified sites, pits and petroleum products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
It described the operation as part of its sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering through intelligence-led operations.
The service said dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and disrupting criminal networks remained critical to protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to denying economic saboteurs access to the country’s petroleum resources while supporting efforts to boost crude oil production and strengthen security across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
