The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a reactivated illegal refining cluster operating along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor as part of ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH carried out the operation around Egboama/Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State following intelligence reports of renewed illegal refining activities in the area.
The operation involved coordinated land and water insertion backed by aerial surveillance. Drone reconnaissance exposed several concealed refining sites hidden within the creek environment.
Naval operatives discovered refining ovens, dugout pits, storage facilities, generators, welding equipment and other materials used for processing and transporting illegally refined petroleum products.
During the raid, the Navy uncovered about 5,500 litres of suspected crude oil and 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Navy said the discoveries indicated attempts by criminal networks to rebuild refining infrastructure previously destroyed during earlier anti-oil theft operations in the region.
All identified illegal refining sites and equipment were deactivated in line with operational procedures, while surveillance of adjoining creek corridors continues.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets, safeguarding the maritime environment and denying oil thieves operational freedom in the Niger Delta.
