Navy Cracks Down on Crude Oil Thieves, Dismantles Illegal Refineries in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, successfully dismantling several illegal refining operations in Rivers State. The move forms part of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, aimed at curbing pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering, and related maritime crimes.

In a targeted operation carried out by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni area, the naval team deactivated three illegal refinery sites, destroyed five refining ovens, and sealed off 25 dugout pits used for illicit crude oil processing.

Naval sources revealed that the patrol team also discovered a wellhead that had been illegally tapped to siphon crude into hidden refining camps within the creeks. Large quantities of refined petroleum products, including Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), were recovered during the raids.

All illegal facilities and equipment were dismantled in accordance with anti-crude oil theft directives, the Navy stated.

Speaking on the operation, Commodore Mutalib Raji, Commander of NNS PATHFINDER, praised the patrol team for their professionalism and resilience, adding that the swift action disrupted a major crude oil theft network, a development that not only protects national revenue but also mitigates environmental degradation in the region.

Commodore Raji urged members of the public to provide credible information that could aid security agencies in locating and shutting down illegal refining activities. He emphasized that community cooperation remains vital to the success of anti-bunkering campaigns.

Operation DELTA SENTINEL forms part of the Navy’s ongoing intelligence-driven strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and maintain the security of the nation’s maritime domain.