Navy Dismantles Major Illegal Refining Complex, Recovers 205,680 Litres in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a major illegal refining complex in Rivers State and recovered more than 205,680 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in one of its most significant operational successes under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation, carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, followed credible intelligence that led troops to a newly established illegal refining network in the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation led to the discovery and deactivation of three illegal refining sites equipped with six refining ovens, three reservoirs and four dugout pits.
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The Navy said the sites contained about 38,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and approximately 167,180 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to 205,680 litres.
It noted that the scale of the discovery highlighted the sophistication of criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining across the Niger Delta, adding that dismantling the infrastructure dealt a significant blow to economic saboteurs responsible for environmental degradation and the loss of national revenue.
The statement added that the illegal refining sites and all recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively denying the criminals access to infrastructure and products intended to sustain their illicit activities.
The Navy reaffirmed that the successful operation underscores its determination to sustain the momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL by targeting the infrastructure, logistics and supply chains supporting crude oil theft and illegal refining across the Niger Delta.
It also reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and critical oil and gas assets through sustained intelligence-driven operations in support of national economic security.
By PRNigeria
