By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Nigerian Navy has destroyed five illegal refining sites and recovered large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State.
This was disclosed by Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, in a statement released on Sunday night in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on June 14, 2025, by the Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron of NNS Pathfinder following credible intelligence. The operation targeted the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, a region notorious for illegal oil activities.
The Navy uncovered 62 refining ovens, 21 reservoirs, and 55 dugout pits at the illegal sites. These contained approximately 50,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 83,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and 20,000 litres of refined kerosene.
“No arrests were made as the suspects fled upon sighting the patrol team,” the statement noted.
Commodore Aniaku reiterated the Navy’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, which he described as major threats to Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
He emphasized that the operation was in line with the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to intensify efforts in safeguarding the nation’s maritime assets.
The Navy also assured that all confiscated products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
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