The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three reactivated illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered approximately 91,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil in a fresh operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation was carried out on August 21, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence on the suspected revival of illegal refining activities in the Okolomade and Ogbogolo areas of the state.
According to an official statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director Naval Information, the operation uncovered two cooking drums, two large ovens, 10 reservoirs and four storage facilities associated with illegal refining activities.
The naval team also discovered two makeshift camps suspected to have been used as shelters by the illegal refiners, as well as about 70 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Navy said the illegal refining sites, recovered products and other materials were handled in accordance with established procedures, effectively disrupting the facilities and denying the operators the infrastructure required to resume their activities.
The latest operation, according to the Navy, reflects its sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from rebuilding illegal refining infrastructure in areas previously affected by crude oil theft and illegal refining.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain Operation DELTA SENTINEL in degrading infrastructure supporting crude oil theft, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding the country’s oil and gas resources from economic saboteurs.
