The Nigerian Navy has destroyed three illegal refining sites and recovered about 85,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in the Egbema area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected crude oil thieves and illegal refiners operating in the area.
During the operation, the naval personnel discovered three illegal refining sites containing eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs filled with approximately 85,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
The Navy said the illegal sites and recovered products were handled in line with established procedures for tackling crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
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The latest operation came about two weeks after NNS Pathfinder disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same area on August 3, 2026.
The Navy said its sustained operations were aimed at preventing criminal groups from rebuilding illegal refining infrastructure and re-establishing their bases.
It added that the continuous pressure on illegal refining networks had contributed to a reduction in the reactivation of such sites in the area.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to Operation Delta Sentinel, saying the operation would continue to protect critical national assets, disrupt illegal petroleum supply chains and support efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
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