Key points
- Nigerian Navy dismantles illegal refining cluster along Rivers–Bayelsa border under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
- About 8,500 litres of suspected crude oil and illegally refined products recovered.
- Equipment used for refining activities destroyed as security operations intensify in the Niger Delta.
Main story
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a reconstructed illegal refining site located along the Rivers–Bayelsa border, recovering approximately 8,500 litres of suspected petroleum products in a coordinated security operation.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, according to a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho said the raid was triggered by credible intelligence on illegal refining activities around the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He explained that the operation combined land and water-based insertion tactics, supported by aerial surveillance, which enabled personnel to locate concealed refining camps within the creek network.
During the operation, naval operatives uncovered about 5,500 litres of suspected crude oil and 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Navy also recovered generators, welding machines, and other equipment believed to have been used to rebuild and expand the illegal refining infrastructure.
According to the statement, findings indicated deliberate attempts by criminal networks to reconstruct refining facilities previously destroyed during earlier security operations.
All identified sites and equipment were subsequently deactivated in line with standard operational procedures, while surveillance has been intensified across adjoining creek corridors to prevent reactivation.
The issues
Illegal refining and crude oil theft remain persistent security and economic challenges in the Niger Delta, often leading to environmental degradation, revenue losses, and destruction of critical infrastructure. Criminal networks have repeatedly demonstrated resilience by reconstructing destroyed facilities, complicating enforcement efforts.
What’s being said
Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation reflects the Navy’s sustained intelligence-driven approach aimed at dismantling illegal refining networks and protecting national economic assets. He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
What’s next
The Nigerian Navy says surveillance operations will continue across identified creek corridors to detect and dismantle any attempt to rebuild illegal refining sites. Security agencies are also expected to sustain coordinated operations under ongoing maritime security frameworks in the Niger Delta.
Bottom line
The latest operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s intensified crackdown on oil theft, as authorities move to disrupt rebuilt illegal refining networks and safeguard national petroleum resources in the Niger Delta.
