The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegally reconstructed refining cluster along the Rivers–Bayelsa border, recovering about 8,500 liters of suspected petroleum products.
Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the operation was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
“This crackdown followed credible intelligence on illegal refining around Egboama/Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State,” he stated.
He explained that the operation involved coordinated land and water incursions, supported by aerial surveillance to locate the concealed refining sites within the creek.
“The troops uncovered approximately 5,500 liters of suspected crude oil and 3,000 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.
Folorunsho also noted that generators, welding machines, and other tools used to expand the illegal facilities were recovered during the operation.
“Findings indicated deliberate efforts by criminal networks to restart the refining infrastructure previously destroyed by security forces.
“All sites and equipment have been deactivated in line with operational procedures, while surveillance and monitoring of adjacent creek corridors continue,” he added.
The naval spokesman emphasized that the sustained operations focus on preventing the re-establishment of illegal refining camps and dismantling support structures that facilitate crude oil theft.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets, securing the maritime domain, and denying economic saboteurs freedom of action in the Niger Delta.
