Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled some illegal refining equipment as it sustains fight against illegal refining operations.
The Navy operating under DELTA SENTINEL, operatives disrupted three illegal refining sites recovered approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The latest operation was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, following credible intelligence on the continued activities of criminal elements within the area.
The operation led to the discovery of three illegal refining sites containing eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs laden with approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO. The illegal refining sites and recovered products were subsequently handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The latest success comes barely two weeks after NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same general area on 3 August 2026. The repeated disruption of illegal refining activities in the area reflects the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from regaining operational footholds and rebuilding illicit refining infrastructure.
The continued operational pressure is also yielding positive results, with a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the area. This demonstrates the growing impact of sustained naval action in degrading the activities of crude oil theft and illegal refining networks.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect critical national assets, disrupt illegal petroleum supply chains and support the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and safeguard national economic interests.