The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against illegal refining activities in Rivers State, disrupting two illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 34,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out on Friday, August 28, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Folorunsho said the naval team identified and deactivated two illegal refining sites during the operation, recovering the suspected illegally refined products from dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs.
He added that other items associated with the illegal refining activities were also recovered from the sites.
The Director Naval Information said the latest operation was part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area.
According to him, the continued interventions by the naval formation have contributed to a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the general area.
He explained that the identified sites, recovered products and other associated items were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No arrest was made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, its intelligence-led campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the nation’s maritime and riverine environment.
The Navy said it would continue to sustain operations aimed at disrupting illicit activities, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding legitimate economic activities within the country’s oil-producing communities.
