Navy Destroys Five Illegal Refineries in Rivers, Recovers Stolen Crude
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder have dismantled five illegal refining sites and recovered large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement issued Sunday night, Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, said the operation, which took place on June 14, 2025, was part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron Team of NNS Pathfinder deployed personnel and assets to the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni general area. During the operation, the team uncovered a newly activated illegal refining site,” Aniaku stated.
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According to him, the raid led to the destruction of five illegal refining camps containing 62 ovens, 21 reservoirs, and 55 dugout pits filled with an estimated 50,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. Additionally, the operatives recovered approximately 83,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and 20,000 litres of illegally refined kerosene.
All recovered products were handled following standard anti-crude oil theft procedures. No arrests were made, as the suspects fled the scene upon sighting the naval patrol team.
Commodore Aniaku reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s resolve under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to sustain its aggressive operations against oil theft and illegal refining, which he described as grave threats to Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
By PRNigeria
