The Nigerian Navy has intensified its operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, disrupting three illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements in the area.
He said, “The latest operation was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Pathfinder) in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.”
According to him, “The operation led to the discovery of three illegal refining sites containing eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs laden with approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO.
“The illegal refining sites and recovered products were subsequently handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.”
Folorunsho said the latest success came barely two weeks after NNS Pathfinder disrupted two illegal refining sites in the same general area on August 3, 2026.
He said, “The repeated disruption of illegal refining activities in the area reflects the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from regaining operational footholds and rebuilding illicit refining infrastructure.”
He added that sustained naval operations were yielding positive results, with a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites in the area.
“The continued operational pressure is also yielding positive results, with a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the area.
“This demonstrates the growing impact of sustained naval action in degrading the activities of crude oil theft and illegal refining networks,” he said.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining Operation Delta Sentinel to protect critical national assets and disrupt illicit petroleum supply chains.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining Operation Delta Sentinel to protect critical national assets, disrupt illegal petroleum supply chains and support the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and safeguard national economic interests,” he said.
