Nigerian Navy Destroys Two Illegal Refining Sites, Recovers 53,000 Litres of Petroleum Products in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has disrupted illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State following the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the recovery of approximately 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out on November 11, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence about illegal petroleum activities in the area.
According to the Navy, the two illegal refining sites contained about eight dugout pits and storage facilities holding an estimated 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 30,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The naval team subsequently handled the discovered sites and petroleum products in line with established procedures for combating crude oil theft and illegal refining.
However, no arrests were made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.
The latest operation adds to the Nigerian Navy’s sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta. It follows an earlier operation conducted by NNS PATHFINDER in the same general area on October 10, 2026, during which three illegal refining sites were discovered and deactivated.
The Navy said the successive operations demonstrate its determination to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt petroleum theft networks and prevent economic saboteurs from exploiting the nation’s natural resources.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure, support national crude oil production and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
