By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining operations with the dismantling of a reactivated illegal refining cluster located along the Rivers–Bayelsa border axis.
The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL following credible intelligence on renewed illicit refining activities around Egboama/Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the Navy, the mission involved a coordinated land and maritime assault supported by aerial surveillance to identify and neutralise hidden refining infrastructure within the creek environment.
Aerial drone reconnaissance reportedly exposed several illegal refining sites concealed within the dense terrain. Follow-up exploitation operations led to the discovery of refining ovens, dugout pits, storage facilities, and other equipment linked to the processing and transportation of illegally refined petroleum products.
Naval operatives recovered about 5,500 litres of substances suspected to be crude oil as well as 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Other items uncovered at the site included generators, welding machines, and materials allegedly intended for the expansion and reactivation of the illegal refining camps.
The Navy said findings from the operation indicated attempts by criminal elements to rebuild refining infrastructure previously dismantled during earlier anti-crude oil theft operations in the area.
All illegal refining sites and associated equipment were subsequently deactivated in line with operational procedures, while surveillance and monitoring activities have continued across adjoining creek corridors to prevent further resurgence of illegal activities.
The Service stated that ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL are strategically focused on preventing the re-establishment of illegal refining camps and disrupting the support structures sustaining crude oil theft networks across the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets, securing the maritime environment, and denying economic saboteurs freedom of operation within the region.
