By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta with the disruption of additional illegal refining infrastructure in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director Naval Information disclosed this in a statement.
The latest operation, conducted within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, led to the discovery and deactivation of 2 illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities in the area.
During the operation, personnel recovered approximately 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs.
The development comes just days after the discovery and deactivation of similar illegal refining infrastructure within the same general area, highlighting the persistent attempts by economic saboteurs to reactivate illicit operations despite sustained enforcement efforts.
The recurring discoveries underscore the effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained operational presence in identified hotspots, which continues to deny criminal elements the freedom to establish and maintain illegal refining networks.
By maintaining pressure on these criminal enterprises, the Service is contributing significantly to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure and the preservation of national economic interests.
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.
