The Nigerian Navy has disrupted two illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 34,000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out on August 28, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, followed the identification of the illegal refining sites around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the recovered products were found in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs at the sites, alongside other items believed to have been used for illegal refining activities.
Folorunsho said the operation was part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area.
He noted that the continued interventions had contributed to a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the general area.
The Navy said the identified sites, recovered products and other associated items were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
It, however, disclosed that no arrest was made during the operation as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
It added that the operations were also aimed at protecting critical national assets and safeguarding legitimate economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environment.
