By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, dismantling three reactivated illegal refining sites in Rivers State under the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

The operation was carried out on 21 August 2026 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence indicating the resurgence of illegal refining operations in the Okolomade and Ogbogolo communities of the state.

During the raid, naval operatives uncovered an extensive network of illegal refining infrastructure, including two cooking drums, two large ovens, 10 reservoirs and four storage facilities used in the illicit processing of petroleum products.

The operatives also discovered two makeshift camps believed to have served as accommodation and operational bases for the suspected illegal refiners.

In addition, the Navy recovered approximately 91,000 litres of substances suspected to be stolen crude oil, as well as about 70 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

The recovered products, refining facilities and other associated materials were handled in line with established operational procedures, effectively crippling the illegal network and preventing the operators from resuming their activities.

The successful operation highlights the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to denying criminal elements the opportunity to reactivate or expand illegal refining infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

It also reflects the Navy’s sustained operational momentum in combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage that continue to threaten Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

According to the Navy, the operation forms part of broader efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at protecting critical national assets and strengthening the security of the nation’s maritime environment.

The service reiterated that it remains vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly to intelligence reports relating to illegal oil-related activities across the Niger Delta.

The Nigerian Navy further assured stakeholders and host communities of its unwavering resolve to collaborate with other security agencies and relevant authorities in safeguarding the country’s petroleum resources.

As the campaign against crude oil theft continues, the Navy reaffirmed its determination to dismantle criminal networks, degrade the infrastructure supporting illegal refining and ensure that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources are protected from economic saboteurs.