Navy Uncovers Reactivated Illegal Refining Sites, Seizes 184,000 Litres in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered reactivated illegal refining sites in Rivers State and seized an estimated 184,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil as part of ongoing operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder under Operation Delta Sentinel in the Ndoni area of Rivers State.
According to the Navy, the operation targeted criminal infrastructure believed to have resumed illegal refining activities despite previous enforcement actions within the area.
A statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said naval operatives discovered a network of dugout pits and storage facilities containing large volumes of suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
Preliminary assessments indicated that about 184,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil were stored across the illegal refining cluster.
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The Navy said findings from the operation revealed that criminal elements were exploiting abandoned oil infrastructure to sustain illegal refining and distribution networks in the region.
It noted that the latest discovery highlights the growing trend of reactivating dismantled refining camps in a bid to evade security operations and sustain crude oil theft activities.
“The operation underscores the evolving tactics of oil theft syndicates and the need for sustained pressure against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta,” the statement said.
The Navy added that ongoing operations under Operation Delta Sentinel are focused on dismantling the supply, storage and distribution structures supporting illegal refining activities across the region.
The illegal refining sites and the recovered products were subsequently destroyed in line with operational procedures, while surveillance and follow-up operations remain ongoing in the area.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national assets and sustaining coordinated operations aimed at securing Nigeria’s maritime environment from economic saboteurs.
By PRNigeria
