Nigerian Navy Recovers 33,000 Litres in Rivers Illegal Refining Crackdown

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its operations against illegal refining activities in Rivers State, disrupting two suspected illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 33,000 litres of products believed to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The operation was carried out in Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area as part of ongoing efforts to curb illicit activities in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was conducted by personnel of NNS PATHFINDER on September 6, 2026. The naval team discovered eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs believed to be connected with the illegal refining activities during the operation.

The Navy said the recovered products and the affected sites were handled in accordance with established procedures. The latest operation comes after earlier interventions in the area, including the disruption of two illegal refining sites on August 28, as security agencies continue efforts to prevent operators from rebuilding and sustaining such activities.

No arrest was made during the latest operation because the suspected operators reportedly fled before the naval team arrived at the sites. The Navy’s continued presence in the area is aimed at disrupting illegal refining networks and limiting their ability to resume operations after previous enforcement actions.

The renewed crackdown highlights the wider challenge posed by illegal refining and oil-related criminal activity in the Niger Delta, where authorities have continued to conduct operations against illicit petroleum activities. The Nigerian Navy has maintained that sustained enforcement is necessary to protect petroleum resources, reduce economic losses and address the environmental and security concerns associated with illegal refining.