By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has sustained pressure on illegal refining networks under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, with the latest operation leading to the recovery of 61,000 litres of petroleum products in Rivers State.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Navy Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated three newly established illegal refining sites in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State.
During the operation, troops recovered:
– 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil
– 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
The products were concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs. This brings the total volume recovered to 61,000 litres.
Folorunsho said the discovery highlights continued attempts by criminal elements to reactivate illegal refining operations despite sustained enforcement.
It will be recalled that similar infrastructure was dismantled in the same area in July 2026, underscoring the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to re-establish their activities.
“By maintaining sustained operational presence across identified hotspots, 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 to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
