The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recording significant operational successes in Rivers and Bayelsa States through coordinated operations conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder and Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh.

In Rivers State, personnel of NNS Pathfinder carried out an operation on 1 May 2026 in the Ahoada West area following credible intelligence. The team, comprising two gunboats and 20 personnel, uncovered and dismantled five illegal refining sites in Egboama Ogbogolo community.

The sites were found to contain about 15 dug out pits, storage facilities and reservoirs loaded with an estimated 85,000 litres of suspected crude oil and 78,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. Naval personnel also discovered that the products were being sourced from a nearby wellhead located close to the illegal installations. The operator of the facility could not be immediately identified.

The illegal refining structures and products were destroyed in line with operational procedures. However, suspects fled the scene before the arrival of naval personnel, and no arrests were made.

In a separate operation in Bayelsa State, personnel of NNS Soroh acted on intelligence regarding suspected oil theft activities around the Soku Gas Plant pipeline corridor at about 1900 hours.

A search of the area led to the discovery of equipment believed to be used for illegal pipeline connections and crude oil theft, hidden in nearby bushes. Recovered items included 10 jerrycans, a 3 inch red hose measuring about 300 metres, a 4 inch brown hose measuring about 200 metres, and a blue pipe of approximately 20 metres.

The suspects reportedly fled before naval personnel arrived, and no arrests were made. The recovered items were handled in accordance with established procedures.

The Nigerian Navy said the operations form part of sustained efforts to curb economic sabotage and protect critical national oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

It added that efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks involved in oil theft and illegal refining activities.

The Navy further reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and ensuring it remains secure for legitimate economic operations, while urging members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.