The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, recovering more than 126,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantling two reactivated illegal refining sites in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Navy recalled that on July 10, 2026, its personnel discovered and deactivated illegal refining sites in the area. However, suspected crude oil thieves attempted to resume operations at the dismantled facilities, prompting intensified surveillance and follow-up operations.
During the latest operation, naval personnel rediscovered and destroyed two reactivated illegal refining sites, recovering about 76,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) hidden in seven dugout pits and reservoirs.
The latest seizure brought the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres.
The Navy said the successful operation underscores its resolve to deny criminal syndicates the opportunity to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure or regain operational footholds in the region.
It added that all illegal refining sites and recovered petroleum products were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, while sustained operational pressure continues across identified criminal enclaves.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the nation’s economic assets, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, safeguard critical national assets, and support Nigeria’s economic security.
