The Nigerian Navy has disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered approximately 103,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), as part of sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER carried out the operation on August 22, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of illegal refiners around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
During the operation, the naval personnel uncovered 12 dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs containing the suspected illegally refined products. Two pumping machines used in the illicit activities were also recovered.
The latest operation came barely a week after NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same general area on August 15, 2026, indicating sustained naval pressure on criminal networks seeking to revive illegal refining activities.
The Navy said the successive operations had constrained attempts to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure, with a noticeable decline in the reactivation of such sites in the area.
No arrest was made during the operation as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.
The illegal refining sites, recovered products and associated equipment were subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures for combating crude oil theft and illegal refining.
The Navy said the operation further demonstrated the impact of sustained pressure on the infrastructure supporting illegal refining and crude oil theft, thereby denying criminal elements the capacity to restore their illicit activities.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect the nation’s oil and gas assets, disrupt economic sabotage and provide a secure environment for legitimate oil production and investment.
