The Nigerian Navy has intensified its campaign against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling illegal refining operations and recovering more than 85,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil products during a fresh operation in Rivers State. The latest success was recorded under Operation Delta Sentinel, where naval personnel uncovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites believed to be linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of the state.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation dealt another major blow to criminal networks involved in illegal refining and oil theft. According to him, security operatives recovered about 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil stored in concealed dugout pits and reservoirs.
“The latest operation, conducted within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, led to the discovery and deactivation of two illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities in the area,” Folorunsho stated.
He explained that the recovered products were hidden in makeshift storage facilities designed to evade security surveillance.
The Navy noted that the latest discovery came only days after similar illegal refining facilities were dismantled within the same general area, indicating repeated attempts by criminal groups to revive illicit operations despite ongoing security enforcement.
According to Folorunsho, the recurring discoveries demonstrate the effectiveness of the Navy’s sustained presence in identified hotspots across the Niger Delta. He said continuous patrols and targeted operations have significantly limited the ability of oil thieves to establish or maintain illegal refining camps.
The Navy maintained that sustained enforcement under Operation Delta Sentinel is helping to secure critical oil and gas infrastructure while protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
Folorunsho stressed that disrupting illegal refining activities also contributes to safeguarding the country’s maritime environment and reducing losses associated with crude oil theft. He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal syndicates operating in the region.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks, combating crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and energy assets through sustained operations under Operation Delta Sentinel,” he said.
The latest operation adds to ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb oil theft and protect Nigeria’s petroleum industry from economic sabotage.
