By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has sustained efforts to disrupt illegal refining activities in Rivers State, with personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER identifying and deactivating two illegal refining sites around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the
Director Naval Information disclosed this in a statement signed on Sunday.
The operation, conducted on 28 August 2026, resulted in the recovery of approximately 34,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) contained in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs, alongside other items associated with the illegal refining activities.
The latest operation forms part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area.
The continued interventions have contributed to a decline in the reactivation of such sites within the general area.
The identified sites, recovered products and associated items were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, protect critical national assets and safeguard legitimate economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environment.
