The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining activities in Rivers State, disrupting two illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The operation, conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER on September 6, 2026, took place in Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
According to an official statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director Naval Information, the naval team discovered eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs linked to the illicit refining activities during the operation.
The Navy said the affected sites and recovered products were subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures.
The latest operation comes amid sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy to prevent illegal refiners from rebuilding their operations after previous interventions in the area.
The Service said the development followed an earlier operation on August 28, 2026, during which two illegal refining sites were also disrupted.
It noted that continued naval pressure was constraining the ability of illegal operators to re-establish and sustain illicit refining activities in the area.
However, no arrest was made during the latest operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Nigerian Navy said it would sustain operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining networks and curbing activities that undermine Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
