The navy has dismantled four illegal refining sites and recovered about 77,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during an anti-crude oil theft operation in Rivers State.
key points:
- Nigerian Navy destroyed four illegal refining sites in Rivers State during an anti-oil theft operation.
- About 77,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were recovered from the sites.
- The operation targeted illegal refining activities around the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis in Ahoada West LGA.
- Drone surveillance helped operatives locate hidden refining camps, ovens, pits, and storage facilities.
- The navy reaffirmed its commitment to fighting crude oil theft and protecting national assets in the Niger Delta.
The operation, carried out on May 31, 2026, was conducted by officers of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under ‘Operation Delta Sentinel’ following intelligence reports of renewed illegal refining activities around the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain A.A. Folorunsho, the operation was supported by aerial surveillance and riverine mobility assets to navigate the difficult creek terrain.
Drone reconnaissance reportedly uncovered multiple illegal refining locations concealed within the area.
Subsequent exploitation of the sites led to the discovery of four illegal refining camps equipped with refining ovens, dugout pits, and storage facilities containing an estimated 77,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The navy said investigations revealed that operators of the sites were attempting to revive illegal refining infrastructure that had previously been dismantled during earlier enforcement operations.
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During the raid, operatives deactivated four illegal refining sites, including three refining ovens, two dugout pits, and a reservoir used in the illicit refining process.
The navy noted that the discovery highlights the persistence of crude oil theft syndicates in the Niger Delta despite ongoing enforcement efforts, while also demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations under ‘Operation Delta Sentinel’.
All recovered products and facilities were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining networks, protecting critical national assets, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests across the Niger Delta.
