The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major operational breakthrough under Operation Delta Sentinel, dismantled a multi-state illegal oil refining and crude storage network valued at over ₦600 million across Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states.
The operation, carried out on April 17, involved coordinated offensives by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, targeting illegal refining infrastructure and crude theft facilities in key hotspots linked to economic sabotage.
In Rivers State, an Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team from NNS SOROH, acting on intelligence, launched a land-water operation in Egboama/Ogbogolo area of Ahoada West Local Government Area along the Rivers-Bayelsa boundary. The operation led to the discovery of several illegal refining sites, including dugout pits, ovens, reservoirs and storage facilities used for sustained illicit refining.
Naval authorities said the team recovered about 103,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil valued at over ₦91 million, alongside 190,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) estimated at more than ₦342 million, bringing the total value of products recovered in the area to over ₦433 million.
In a related development, personnel of NNS DELTA uncovered and deactivated a concealed crude oil storage facility around Bennett Island in Delta State. The facility, linked to a buried pipeline connected through an improvised hose system, contained about 78,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil valued at approximately ₦69 million, as well as equipment used for illegal siphoning.
The Navy said all illegal refining infrastructure and storage facilities were dismantled in line with operational procedures, while suspects fled the scene on sighting naval personnel.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the participating units and charged the Commander Task Group, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, to intensify efforts at dismantling criminal networks involved in crude oil theft.
The Navy said the operation reflected the sustained momentum of Operation Delta Sentinel, recently extended by 90 days, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting critical oil infrastructure, securing the maritime environment and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets.
