The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a reactivated illegal refining cluster operating within the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor as part of its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
According to a press statement signed by Navy Captain AA Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following intelligence reports of renewed illegal refining activities around Egboama/Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The statement explained that the operation involved a coordinated land and water insertion supported by aerial surveillance to identify concealed refining infrastructure within the creek environment.
It noted that drone reconnaissance exposed multiple illegal refining locations hidden within the terrain, leading to the discovery of refining ovens, a dugout pit, storage facilities, and equipment used for the processing and transportation of illegally refined petroleum products.
“Drone reconnaissance conducted over the area exposed multiple illegal refining locations concealed within the terrain. Subsequent exploitation of the sites led to the discovery of refining ovens, a dugout pit, storage facilities, and equipment associated with the processing and movement of illegally refined petroleum products,” the statement read.
Navy Uncovers 8,500 Litres of Illegal Petroleum Products
During the raid, naval personnel uncovered approximately 5,500 litres of products suspected to be crude oil and 3,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Additional items recovered included generators, welding equipment, and other materials believed to support the expansion and reactivation of the illegal refining camps.
The Navy said the operation revealed “clear attempts by criminal networks to rebuild refining infrastructure previously disrupted during earlier anti-crude oil theft operations within the area.”
It added that all identified sites and equipment were subsequently deactivated in line with operational procedures, while surveillance and follow-on monitoring of adjoining creek corridors remain ongoing.
The statement further stressed that current operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL are increasingly focused on preventing the regeneration of illegal refining camps and dismantling the support infrastructure that enables crude oil theft networks to resume activities after previous disruptions.
“The Service remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets, safeguarding the maritime environment, and denying economic saboteurs operational freedom within the Niger Delta,” the Navy stated.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain operational pressure against crude oil theft and protect national economic assets across the region.
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