Navy Disrupts Illegal Refining Operations in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has disrupted illegal refining activities in Rivers State, recovering about 103,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.

Personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder carried out the operation on 22 August 2026 after receiving credible intelligence about renewed illegal refining activities around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

During the operation, the naval team found three illegal refining locations. The sites contained 12 dugout pits, as well as sacks and reservoirs holding products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The personnel also recovered two pumping machines used in the activities.

The latest operation came only a week after NNS Pathfinder dismantled two other illegal refining sites within the same general area on 15 August. According to the Nigerian Navy, the repeated operations are putting sustained pressure on criminal groups attempting to rebuild and restart their illegal refining facilities.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, said the recovered products and equipment, along with the illegal refining sites, were dealt with according to established procedures for tackling crude oil theft and illegal refining.

No arrests were made during the latest operation because the suspected operators reportedly fled before the naval personnel arrived.

The Navy said the continued raids are reducing the ability of criminal groups to restore their operations and helping protect Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

The force also reaffirmed its commitment to Operation Delta Sentinel, which aims to protect critical oil and gas facilities, disrupt economic sabotage and provide a safer environment for legitimate oil and gas production and investment.

The latest recovery highlights the Navy’s continued efforts to prevent refining networks from rebuilding their operations in oil-producing communities.