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

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining sites in Rivers State, uncovering approximately 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in an intelligence driven operation under Operation Delta Sentinel.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny on November 5, 2026, targeted illegal refining facilities at Awokiri Community in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The naval operation followed credible intelligence indicating the activation of new illegal refining sites within the area.

During the exercise, the naval team discovered 16 dugout pits, nine of which contained approximately 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

The operatives also uncovered an additional storage tank containing about 2,000 litres of the suspected stolen petroleum product, bringing the total quantity recovered to approximately 117,000 litres.

Four other dugout pits were found to contain water, while three were freshly excavated, suggesting ongoing efforts to establish additional illegal refining facilities.

The identified sites, dugout pits and petroleum products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.

The latest operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued determination to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other activities threatening the nation’s petroleum industry.

Through intelligence driven operations, the Navy has continued to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt criminal networks involved in the theft and illicit processing of Nigeria’s crude oil.

The Service’s efforts are aimed at protecting critical oil and gas installations, preventing economic sabotage and safeguarding the country’s strategic petroleum resources.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its resolve to deny economic saboteurs access to the nation’s petroleum resources while supporting ongoing national efforts to increase crude oil production and strengthen security across the maritime domain.

The operation also reinforces the importance of sustained intelligence gathering, operational coordination and effective enforcement in tackling crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.