Nigerian Navy Recovers 61,000 Litres of Stolen Petroleum Products, Dismantles Illegal Refineries in Rivers


By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, recovering about 61,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantling three illegal refining sites in Rivers State.

The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, targeted the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni area of the state, where criminal networks were attempting to reactivate illegal refining operations.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation led to the discovery and deactivation of three newly established illegal refining sites linked to crude oil theft.

The Navy said operatives recovered approximately 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The products were concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to 61,000 litres.

The statement noted that the latest discovery underscores the persistent efforts of criminal syndicates to revive illegal refining activities despite ongoing military operations. It recalled that similar illegal refining infrastructure had been dismantled in the same general area in July 2026.

The Nigerian Navy said it has maintained sustained operational pressure across identified hotspots to prevent economic saboteurs from rebuilding their networks, while protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government's efforts to boost oil production and strengthen economic security.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining 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.

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