By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has thwarted attempts by crude oil theft syndicates to re-establish a major illegal refining network in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering large volumes of petroleum products during a sustained anti-crude oil theft operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was executed by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during intelligence-led anti-crude oil theft patrols within the area.
The statement disclosed that naval personnel acted on credible intelligence indicating that criminal elements had resumed activities at illegal refining sites previously dismantled by security forces around Egbema.
During the operation, the troops advanced to the identified locations where further exploitation confirmed the reactivation of three illegal refining sites supported by an extensive network of thirteen dugout pits.
According to the Navy, personnel uncovered about 260,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil and approximately 405,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), signaling what authorities described as a significant effort by the syndicates to restore illegal refining capacity in the area.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that the operators sourced crude oil from an abandoned wellhead, highlighting the continued exploitation of dormant oil infrastructure by criminal networks operating within the Niger Delta region.
The Navy noted that beyond the quantity of products recovered, the operation demonstrated its increasing focus on preventing the regeneration of illegal refining ecosystems across the region.
The statement added that intelligence reports indicated that despite repeated enforcement actions, criminal syndicates had continued attempts to reoccupy previously dismantled sites, making sustained surveillance and rapid interdiction operations strategically important.
The illegal refining sites, dugout pits, and recovered petroleum products were subsequently handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively disrupting the renewed attempt to revive the illegal refining network.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates, protecting critical national assets, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests
