The Nigerian Navy said that it has continued to exert operational pressure against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities as part of its Operation Delta Sentinel.
It said that this includes the disruption of three illegal refining sites and the recovery of around 85,000 litres of products believed to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, in Rivers State.
A statement issued by Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, indicated that the recent operation was carried out by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Pathfinder in the Egbema area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It said the operation was initiated following credible intelligence regarding the ongoing activities of criminal elements in the region.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation resulted in the identification of three illegal refining sites, which included eight dugout pits, sacks, and reservoirs filled with approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO.
It said the illegal refining sites and the recovered products were subsequently managed in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft protocols.
“This latest achievement comes just two weeks after NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites in the same vicinity on 3 August 2026. The ongoing disruption of illegal refining activities in this area underscores the Nigerian Navy’s persistent efforts to prevent criminal elements from re-establishing operational bases and reconstructing illicit refining infrastructure,” the statement noted.
“The sustained operational pressure is also producing favourable outcomes, evidenced by a reduction in the reactivation of illegal refining sites in the region. This illustrates the increasing effectiveness of continuous naval operations in undermining the activities of crude oil theft and illegal refining networks.
The Nigerian Navy said it remains committed to maintaining Operation Delta Sentinel to safeguard critical national assets, disrupt illegal petroleum supply chains, and support the Federal Government’s initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s oil and gas sector while protecting national economic interests.
