The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a reconstructed illegal refining cluster along the Rivers–Bayelsa border, recovering about 8,500 litres of suspected petroleum products during the operation.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following credible intelligence on illegal refining activities around the Egboama/Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Intelligence-Led Operation
Folorunsho explained that the operation involved coordinated land and water insertion supported by aerial surveillance to identify and access concealed refining sites located deep within the creeks.
He said troops uncovered approximately 5,500 litres of suspected crude oil and 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
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The naval spokesman added that generators, welding machines, and other tools allegedly used in expanding the illegal refining facilities were also recovered during the raid.
According to him, findings from the operation showed deliberate efforts by criminal networks to rebuild refining infrastructure previously destroyed by security agencies.
“All identified sites and equipment have been deactivated in line with operational procedures, while surveillance and monitoring of adjoining creek corridors remain ongoing,” Folorunsho stated.
He noted that the Navy’s ongoing operations are aimed at preventing the re-establishment of illegal refining camps and dismantling networks supporting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations targeted at protecting critical national assets, securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, and denying economic saboteurs freedom of operation in the region.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.