By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, successfully disrupting three illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, following credible intelligence reports on ongoing criminal activities in the region.
During the operation, the Navy discovered three illegal refining sites featuring eight dugout pits, sacks, and reservoirs filled with the suspected illegally refined AGO. All illegal sites and recovered products were handled in strict accordance with established anti-crude oil theft protocols.
This recent success follows closely on the heels of a similar operation on 3 August 2026, when NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites in the same general area. The repeated interventions highlight the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to preventing criminal elements from re-establishing illegal refining operations.
The sustained operational pressure has led to a noticeable decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the area, underscoring the effectiveness of the Navy’s continuous efforts to dismantle crude oil theft and illegal refining networks.
The Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in its mission under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, disrupt illicit petroleum supply chains, and support the Federal Government’s initiatives to strengthen the country’s oil and gas sector while safeguarding national economic interests.
