The Nigerian Navy says it has foiled attempts by oil theft syndicates to restart an illegal refining network in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, Rivers.
The Director, Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, released the statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the feat was achieved by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during sustained anti-crude oil theft patrols within the area under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
He also said that the navy was reinforcing ongoing efforts to deny economic saboteurs the ability to regenerate criminal infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
According to him, after receiving actionable intelligence, naval personnel advanced to identified locations around Egbema where criminal elements had reportedly resumed activities at illegal refining sites previously dismantled during earlier operations.
Naval personnel subsequently exploited the area and confirmed the reactivation of three illegal refining sites supported by an extensive network of thirteen dugout pits.
Personnel discovered about 260,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil and about 405,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) across the site.
This discovery reflects a substantial effort by the syndicates to restore illegal production capacity in the area, as shown by the large volumes uncovered.
Preliminary findings revealed that operators continued exploiting crude oil sourced from an abandoned wellhead in the area, demonstrating the persistence of criminal networks in adapting dormant infrastructure for illicit activities.
The naval director of information said that the operation, beyond the volume of products recovered, underscored the Nigerian Navy’s growing focus on preventing the regeneration of illegal refining ecosystems.
He further said that intelligence indicated that, despite previous enforcement actions, criminal elements had repeatedly attempted to reoccupy the same locations.
This need underscores the strategic importance of sustaining monitoring and conducting interdiction operations rapidly.
Naval personnel subsequently handled the illegal refining sites, dugout pits, and associated products in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively disrupting the renewed attempt at illegal refining.
He added that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, aimed at dismantling criminal networks, protecting critical national assets, and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
