JUST IN: Nigerian Navy destroys illegal refineries, recovers 61,000 litres of petroleum products in Rivers

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy says it has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, dismantling three reactivated illegal refining sites and recovering about 61,000 litres of petroleum products in Rivers State.

The latest operation, carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, targeted illegal refining networks operating within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni axis of Rivers State.

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

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During the raid, naval personnel recovered approximately 43,000 litres of suspected 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 petroleum products recovered during the operation to 61,000 litres.

The Navy said the operation forms part of sustained efforts to deny oil thieves and economic saboteurs the opportunity to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure across the Niger Delta.

It noted that maintaining a continuous operational presence in identified hotspots remains critical to protecting Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas assets while supporting the Federal Government’s drive to increase crude oil production and strengthen economic security.

“The Nigerian Navy continues to deny economic saboteurs the opportunity to rebuild their networks while protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance oil production and economic security,” the statement said.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, aimed at dismantling illegal refining infrastructure, disrupting crude oil theft syndicates and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.

It also pledged to maintain pressure on criminal networks engaged in economic sabotage across the Niger Delta.