The Nigerian Navy has dismantled two illegal crude oil refining sites and recovered approximately 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, in a fresh crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
Latest: Rivers news today: Port Harcourt, security, politics and community updates
Key Highlights
- Nigerian Navy destroys two illegal refineries in Rivers State.
- Approximately 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products recovered.
- Recovered products include 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 30,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
- Operation conducted on November 11, 2026, by personnel of NNS PATHFINDER.
- No arrests were made as suspected operators reportedly fled before the naval team arrived.
- The operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
Nigerian Navy Raids Illegal Refineries in Rivers State
The Nigerian Navy disclosed the development in a statement published on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on November 11 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation followed credible intelligence reports about illegal petroleum refining activities in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Navy explained that the operation formed part of its sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.
53,000 Litres of Stolen Petroleum Recovered
During the operation, naval personnel discovered two illegal refining sites containing approximately eight dugout pits and several storage containers used for processing and storing petroleum products.
The Navy disclosed that the recovered products comprised approximately 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 30,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
The total volume of recovered petroleum products was estimated at 53,000 litres.
The Navy said the illegal refining facilities and recovered petroleum products were subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures for tackling crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
Suspected Illegal Refinery Operators Escape Arrest
Despite the successful destruction of the two illegal refining sites, the operation did not result in any arrests.
The Navy explained that the suspected operators fled the area before the arrival of the naval personnel.
However, the military authorities maintained that the operation had disrupted illegal refining activities and dismantled infrastructure being used to exploit the nation’s petroleum resources.
Read also:
- Navy Destroys Illegal Refining Site, Three Storage Tanks In Rivers
- Navy Recover 2.25m Litres Of Petroleum Products, Arrest Over 70 Suspects In Q3
- Navy Discovers 85,000 Litres Of Suspected Stolen Crude In Rivers
Nigerian Navy Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Refineries in Rivers
The latest operation follows another exercise conducted by personnel of NNS PATHFINDER in the same general area on October 10, 2026.
During the earlier operation, naval personnel discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites.
The successive operations, according to the Navy, demonstrate its determination to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and prevent economic saboteurs from exploiting Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage across the country’s maritime domain and oil-producing communities.
Crude Oil Theft Remains Major Challenge in Niger Delta
Illegal crude oil refining, pipeline vandalism and petroleum theft have continued to pose serious challenges to Nigeria’s oil-producing communities and the country’s economy.
Apart from the significant revenue losses associated with crude oil theft, illegal refining activities have also contributed to environmental pollution and the degradation of land, waterways and aquatic ecosystems across parts of the Niger Delta.
Security agencies have continued to intensify operations to protect critical oil infrastructure, disrupt criminal networks and safeguard Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
The Nigerian Navy said it would maintain pressure on individuals and groups involved in illegal petroleum activities as part of broader efforts to protect the nation’s economic interests.
For more Niger Delta and security news, follow us on X.
