The Nigerian Navy has dismantled two illegal refining facilities in Rivers State, recovering approximately 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products during an operation targeting crude oil theft.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday, November 11, at Okarki community in Ahoada West Local Government Area by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder under Operation Delta Sentinel.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports about illegal petroleum activities in the area.
He explained that naval personnel discovered about eight dugout pits alongside several storage containers containing approximately 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The team also recovered 30,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
According to Folorunsho, the operation reflects the Navy’s determination to intensify efforts against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other activities threatening the nation’s petroleum resources.
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However, no suspects were arrested during the raid as the individuals allegedly operating the facilities escaped before the arrival of the naval team.
The recovered products and illegal refining facilities were subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures for tackling petroleum-related crimes.
The latest operation comes after an earlier raid conducted by NNS Pathfinder on October 10, during which three illegal refining locations were discovered and dismantled within the same general area.
The Navy said the successive operations formed part of its intelligence-driven efforts to destroy illegal refining infrastructure and prevent criminal networks from exploiting the country’s oil resources.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting critical oil and gas facilities, supporting national crude oil production and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Navy also maintained that it would sustain operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta.
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