The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in Rivers State, recovering more than 126,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products from reactivated illegal refining sites.
The development was disclosed in an operational report issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to the report, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER had earlier dismantled several illegal refining sites in the Egbema area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area on July 10. However, criminal elements allegedly returned to reactivate the facilities, prompting renewed surveillance and follow-up operations.
Folorunsho said naval operatives subsequently discovered and deactivated two reactivated illegal refining sites during a fresh operation in the area.
The operation led to the recovery of about 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. Personnel also uncovered 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, hidden in seven dugout pits and reservoirs.
He noted that the latest seizure brought the total volume of recovered petroleum products to more than 126,000 litres.
“The operation demonstrates the navy’s determination to deny crude oil thieves the opportunity to regain operational footholds or rebuild illegal refining infrastructure within its area of responsibility,” Folorunsho stated.
The naval spokesperson added that all recovered products and illegal refining facilities were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining networks, protecting critical oil infrastructure and supporting Nigeria’s economic security through Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
