The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against crude oil theft under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, recovering over 126,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products while dismantling reactivated illegal refining sites in Rivers State.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER successfully deactivated two illegal refining sites that had been reactivated by crude oil theft syndicates within the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Navy recalled that on 10 July 2026, NNS PATHFINDER personnel had earlier discovered and dismantled illegal refining sites in the same area. However, criminal elements attempted to resume operations at the locations, prompting continuous surveillance and follow-up anti-crude oil theft operations.
During the latest operation, naval personnel recovered approximately 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in seven dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation underscores its resolve to deny crude oil thieves the opportunity to re-establish illegal refining infrastructure or regain operational footholds within its area of responsibility.
According to the statement, all illegal refining sites were deactivated while the recovered petroleum products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, safeguard critical national assets, and contribute to Nigeria's economic security.
The latest success highlights the Nigerian Navy's continued operational pressure on criminal networks involved in oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
