By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has deactivated two illegal refining sites and recovered about 34,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, in Rivers State.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the statement, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS PATHFINDER, identified and dismantled the sites around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area during an operation conducted on 28 August 2026.
The recovered products were stored in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs, alongside other items associated with illegal refining activities.
“The operation forms part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area. The continued interventions have contributed to a decline in the reactivation of such sites within the general area,” the statement said.
The identified sites, recovered products and associated items were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining, protect critical national assets and safeguard legitimate economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environment.
