Nigerian Navy Disrupts Illegal Refining Sites, Recovers 103,000 Litres

The Nigerian Navy has disrupted attempts by suspected oil thieves to restart illegal refining activities in Rivers State, recovering about 103,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Personnel of NNS Pathfinder carried out the operation on August 22, 2026, following intelligence about illegal refining around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The team discovered three illegal refining sites containing 12 dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs filled with the suspected products. Two pumping machines were also recovered.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, said the operation came barely a week after the navy disrupted two other illegal refining sites in the same area on August 15. He said the repeated operations had made it difficult for criminal groups to rebuild their illegal refining infrastructure.

The navy handled the recovered products, equipment and sites according to established procedures for tackling crude oil theft and illegal refining. However, no suspects were arrested because the operators had fled before the naval team arrived.

Folorunsho said the latest operation showed the impact of sustained pressure on facilities supporting illegal oil refining and crude oil theft. He added that the efforts were limiting the ability of criminal groups to resume their activities while helping protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.

The Nigerian Navy also reaffirmed its commitment to Operation Delta Sentinel, which aims to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure, disrupt economic sabotage and create a safer environment for legitimate production and investment.

How important is sustained naval pressure in tackling illegal refining and protecting Nigeria’s oil sector?