The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, dismantling three illegal refining sites and recovering about 61,000 litres of suspected petroleum products in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of the state, where operatives discovered and deactivated newly established illegal refining sites linked to crude oil theft.
According to the Navy, approximately 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered during the operation.
The products were concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to 61,000 litres.
The Navy said the latest discovery underscores continued attempts by criminal syndicates to revive and expand illegal refining activities despite ongoing security operations.
It noted that similar illegal refining facilities were dismantled in the same area in July 2026, highlighting the determination of crude oil theft networks to resume operations.
The service stated that its sustained presence across identified hotspots is aimed at preventing economic saboteurs from rebuilding their operations while protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to boost oil production and strengthen economic security.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and safeguard the country’s oil and gas resources.
