Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Sites in Rivers, Recovers 85,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Products
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, deactivating two illegal refining sites and dismantling another reactivated illegal refining network in Rivers State.
The Navy’s Director of Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed on Thursday that the operation led to the recovery of about 85,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil products.
According to him, the operation was carried out along the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State under Operation Delta Sentinel, where naval personnel discovered and shut down two illegal refining facilities linked to crude oil theft activities.
“During the operation, personnel recovered approximately 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs,” Folorunsho said.
He explained that the latest discovery came shortly after similar illegal refining structures were uncovered in the same area, showing that criminal groups had continued attempts to revive their operations despite ongoing security efforts.
The Navy said the repeated discoveries highlight the impact of its sustained presence in crude oil theft hotspots, as the operations have continued to prevent criminal networks from establishing and maintaining illegal refining activities.
Folorunsho added that the Navy remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, fighting crude oil theft and securing the nation’s maritime and energy assets through continued operations under Operation Delta Sentinel.
