The Nigerian Navy has thwarted fresh attempts by suspected crude oil thieves to reactivate dismantled illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering more than 126,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products during sustained anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The latest operation, carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, underscores the Navy’s continued offensive against oil theft syndicates operating in the Niger Delta and its determination to prevent criminal networks from restoring illegal refining infrastructure.
According to the Navy, the operation followed renewed surveillance of known illegal refining hotspots in the Egbema axis of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State after troops earlier dismantled illegal refining camps in the area on July 10, 2026.
Despite that operation, suspected oil thieves reportedly returned to the sites in an attempt to resume illegal refining activities, prompting the Navy to intensify monitoring and launch follow-up anti-crude oil theft operations.
During the latest raid, NNS PATHFINDER personnel rediscovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites that had been reactivated by the suspects.
Security operatives recovered approximately 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed inside seven dugout pits and reservoirs hidden within the forested area.
The Navy said the latest recovery increased the total volume of petroleum products seized from the illegal refining locations to more than 126,000 litres, dealing another major blow to crude oil theft syndicates operating in the region.
Photographs released from the operation showed large reservoirs containing suspected stolen crude oil, improvised refining facilities and storage pits concealed in thick vegetation. The illegal refining equipment was subsequently destroyed in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures to prevent its reuse by criminal elements.
The Navy said the sustained operations form part of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, an ongoing campaign aimed at denying oil thieves operational freedom and protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said that the operation demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s determination to prevent crude oil theft syndicates from regaining operational footholds or rebuilding dismantled refining camps across its area of responsibility.
According to the Navy, all illegal refining sites and recovered petroleum products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, while sustained operational pressure continues across identified criminal enclaves in the Niger Delta.
