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

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled two illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of its intensified campaign against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

The operation was conducted on November 11, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence about illegal petroleum refining activities in the area. According to the Navy, the two illegal refining locations contained about eight dugout pits and storage facilities holding an estimated 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 30,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.The recovered petroleum products and facilities were handled in line with established procedures for combating crude oil theft and illegal refining.

However, no arrests were made as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.The latest operation is part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt petroleum theft networks and prevent economic saboteurs from exploiting the country’s natural resources.It also follows an earlier operation conducted by NNS PATHFINDER in the same general area on October 10, 2026, during which three illegal refining sites were discovered and deactivated.

The successive operations demonstrate the Navy’s determination to sustain pressure on illegal oil bunkering operators and strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, aimed at protecting critical petroleum assets, supporting national crude oil production and safeguarding the country’s economic interests.