The Nigerian Navy has foiled attempts by criminal elements to revive illegal refining activities in Rivers State, recovering approximately 103,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The operation, conducted on August 22, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER following credible intelligence, led to the disruption of three illegal refining sites around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation uncovered 12 dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs containing the suspected illegally refined products, as well as two pumping machines.
The latest operation came barely a week after NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same general area on August 15.
The Navy said the successive operations had constrained attempts to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure, with a noticeable decline in the reactivation of such sites.
It added that the illegal refining sites, recovered products and associated equipment were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No arrest was made during the operation, as the suspected operators had fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.
The Navy said the latest intervention 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 operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, disrupt economic sabotage and create a secure environment for legitimate production and investment.
