The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining networks in Rivers State, dealing another blow to crude oil theft and illicit refining activities in the Niger Delta. The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, followed intelligence reports that criminal groups had resumed operations at previously destroyed refining sites in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

During the raid, naval operatives uncovered three illegal refining camps connected to 13 dugout pits used to store stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products. The Navy said it recovered an estimated 260,000 litres of suspected crude oiland about 405,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects sourced crude from an abandoned wellhead before processing it at the illegal facilities.

The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the discovery highlights the determination of criminal syndicates to rebuild refining camps despite repeated security operations. He noted that the illegal sites and recovered products were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures aimed at disrupting illicit petroleum activities and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets.

The latest operation underscores the Navy’s ongoing efforts to intensify surveillance across the Niger Delta and dismantle networks involved in economic sabotage. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence-driven operations designed to curb crude oil theft, prevent the resurgence of illegal refining camps and strengthen the protection of the nation’s critical oil infrastructure.