The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, dismantling two illegal refining sites and recovering about 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during an operation in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, led to the discovery and deactivation of the illegal refining facilities linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities in the area.
Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement that personnel also uncovered products suspected to be stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs.
According to the Navy, the latest success comes only days after similar illegal refining infrastructure was uncovered and destroyed within the same general area, indicating persistent efforts by economic saboteurs to revive illicit refining operations despite sustained security pressure.
The Service noted that the repeated discoveries underscore the effectiveness of its continuous operational presence in identified hotspots across the Niger Delta, denying criminal elements the opportunity to establish and operate illegal refining networks.
The Nigerian Navy said its sustained operations are making significant contributions to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure, while safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests by curbing crude oil theft and related crimes.
It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks, combating crude oil theft, and protecting the nation’s maritime and energy assets through sustained operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
