The Nigerian Navy has dismantled two illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered about 34,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The sites were discovered by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area during an operation on 28 August 2026.
The Navy said the recovered petroleum products were found in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs at the sites, alongside equipment and other materials allegedly used for illegal refining.
The operation formed part of sustained efforts by NNS Pathfinder to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area, where security agencies have repeatedly conducted operations to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining.
According to the Navy, the continued operations have contributed to a reduction in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the area.
Although the personnel succeeded in locating and deactivating the two sites, no arrests were made as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Navy said the recovered petroleum products and other materials found at the locations were handled in accordance with established procedures governing operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
The operation was conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, an intelligence-led initiative aimed at disrupting crude oil theft and illegal refining, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding legitimate economic activities in Nigeria’s maritime and riverine communities.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the Navy would continue operations against activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s oil industry and wider economic interests.
