Nigerian Navy Foils Illegal Refining Comeback, Recovers 103,000 Litres In Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has frustrated attempts by criminal elements to revive illegal refining activities in Rivers State, with personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER disrupting three illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 103,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted on 22 August 2026 following credible intelligence, uncovered 12 dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs containing the suspected illegally refined products, alongside two pumping machines.
The intervention comes barely a week after NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same general area on 15 August 2026. The successive interventions have constrained efforts to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure, with a noticeable decline in the reactivation of such sites.
The illegal refining sites, recovered products and associated equipment were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures. No arrest was made as the operators had fled before the arrival of the naval troops.
The latest success demonstrates the impact of sustained naval pressure on the infrastructure that enables illegal refining and crude oil theft, thereby denying criminal elements the capacity to restore their illicit operations.
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, disrupt economic sabotage and create a secure environment for legitimate production and investment.
