By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities with the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the recovery of approximately 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.

The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation Delta Sentinel on October 3, 2026, at Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. The action followed credible intelligence on ongoing crude oil theft and illegal refining activities within the area.

According to the Navy, the illegal facilities comprised nine dugout pits, storage containers and sacks loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products. The discovery underscores the continued efforts of criminal elements to exploit the nation’s oil resources through illicit operations.

Naval operatives swiftly moved in to dismantle the sites, denying the perpetrators access to facilities used for the storage, processing and distribution of stolen petroleum products. The operation also disrupted a major supply chain supporting illegal refining activities in the region.

The Navy stated that the destruction of the illegal refining sites forms part of ongoing measures to curb economic sabotage, protect critical national assets and strengthen maritime security in the Niger Delta.

The recovered products were handled in line with established anti crude oil theft procedures.No arrests were made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled the area before the arrival of the naval team. However, security agencies are expected to continue intelligence driven operations aimed at tracking down those behind the illegal activities.

The latest success further highlights the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining pressure on crude oil thieves and illegal refiners, whose activities have continued to undermine national revenue, damage the environment and threaten the country’s energy security.By Isiaka MustaphaEditor in Chief, People’s Security Monitor