Nigerian Navy Uncovers and Dismantles Over N600 Million Worth of Illegal Oil Refining Sites Across Three States
The Nigerian Navy has successfully dismantled sprawling illegal refining sites and crude oil storage facilities valued at over N600 million, spanning the states of Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta. This major operation, conducted on April 17, 2026, marks a significant blow to illicit activities in the nation's oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Coordinated Operations Lead to Massive Seizures
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft team to the Egboama/Ogbogolo area of Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State. Executing a coordinated land-water operation, they discovered multiple illegal refining sites, including dugout pits, ovens, reservoirs, and storage facilities used for sustained illicit refining activities.
A comprehensive assessment revealed approximately 103,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 190,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Using conservative market benchmarks, the seized crude oil is valued at over ₦91 million, while the AGO is estimated at over ₦342 million, resulting in a total worth of over ₦433 million from this operation alone.
Additional Discoveries in Delta State
In Delta State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA uncovered and deactivated a concealed crude oil storage facility around Bennett Island. The site, linked to a buried pipeline through an improvised hose system, contained about 78,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, valued at approximately ₦69 million, alongside equipment used for illegal siphoning.
All illegal refining infrastructure and storage facilities were dismantled in situ, while recovered products were handled in accordance with extant operational procedures. No arrests were made as the perpetrators fled upon sighting the naval personnel.
Intensified Crackdown Under Operation DELTA SENTINEL
These coordinated operations underscore the Navy's intensified crackdown on crude oil theft across multiple operational theatres and reinforce the sustained momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL. This operation has recently been extended by an additional 90 days to consolidate gains and further degrade criminal networks.
Folorunsho quoted the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, as commending the efforts of the participating units. Abbas charged the Commander, Task Group, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, not to relent but to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks bent on stealing the nation's common patrimony.
He reiterated the Nigerian Navy's commitment to protecting the country's critical oil infrastructure, safeguarding the maritime environment, and securing the nation's economic lifelines in line with his vision and mission. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges and the Navy's proactive measures in combating illegal activities that threaten Nigeria's economic stability.
