By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has disrupted three illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 103,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation was conducted on August 22, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER following credible intelligence on attempts to revive illegal refining activities in the area.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation uncovered 12 dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs containing the suspected illegally refined products, as well as two pumping machines.
The latest intervention came barely a week after NNS PATHFINDER disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same general area on August 15.
The Navy said the successive operations had constrained efforts by criminal elements to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure, resulting in a noticeable decline in the reactivation of such sites.
It added that the illegal refining sites, recovered products and associated equipment were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No arrests were made during the operation as the suspected operators had fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.
The Navy said the latest operation demonstrated the impact of sustained pressure on infrastructure supporting illegal refining and crude oil theft, thereby denying criminal elements the capacity to restore their illicit activities.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, combat economic sabotage and provide a secure environment for legitimate oil production and investment.
