By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has destroyed two illegal refining sites and recovered 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in Okarki Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.
The operation was carried out on November 11, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence on illegal petroleum activities in the area.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval team discovered approximately eight dugout pits and storage containers containing 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 30,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The statement disclosed that the two illegal refining sites and recovered petroleum products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
It, however, noted that no arrests were made during the operation as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Navy said the latest operation was a continuation of its sustained crackdown on illegal refining activities in the area, recalling that NNS PATHFINDER had, on October 10, 2026, discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites within the same general area.
It added that the successive operations demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s determination to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and deny economic saboteurs access to the nation’s petroleum resources.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure, support national crude oil production and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
