By Zakaa Lazarus
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its onslaught against crude oil theft and illegal refining under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, with the discovery and destruction of three illegal refining sites in Rivers State.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 21, 2026.
He said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH conducted the operation on August 21, 2026, in Okolomade and Ogbogolo areas of Rivers State, following credible intelligence on the suspected reactivation of illegal refining activities.
According to him, the operation uncovered two cooking drums, two large ovens, 10 reservoirs and four storage facilities used for illegal refining.
Two makeshift camps suspected to have provided shelter for the illegal refiners were also discovered.
In addition, approximately 91,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil and about 70 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO were recovered.
Captain Folorunsho stated that the illegal refining sites, recovered products and associated materials were handled in accordance with established procedures, effectively disrupting the reactivated facilities and denying the operators the infrastructure to resume their activities.
He noted that the latest operation underscores the Navy’s sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from rebuilding illegal refining infrastructure in areas previously affected by crude oil theft.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to degrade the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft, protect critical national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas resources from economic saboteurs,” the statement read.
