The Nigeria Navy under Operation DELTA SENTINEL has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft,dismantled three reactivated illegal refining sites and recovered about 61,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in Rivers State.
The successful operation was carried out on 2 August 2026 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, where intelligence-led raids uncovered newly established illegal refining infrastructure linked to crude oil theft syndicates.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation led to the recovery of approximately 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume recovered to 61,000 litres.
The Navy said the latest discovery underscores the persistent efforts of economic saboteurs to reactivate and expand illegal refining operations despite sustained military pressure across the Niger Delta.
It noted that similar illegal refining facilities were dismantled within the same area in July 2026, indicating the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to resume operations after previous enforcement actions.
The statement stressed that by maintaining continuous operational presence across identified hotspots, the Nigerian Navy is denying criminal networks the opportunity to rebuild their illegal infrastructure while protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s drive to boost oil production and strengthen economic security.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Navy said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
