Navy busts illegal refinery, recovers N227m products

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a major illegal refining complex in Rivers State, recovering petroleum products estimated to be worth about N227 million in a major operation aimed at curbing crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil revenues.

The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence on the activities of oil thieves operating within the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation uncovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites equipped with six refining ovens, three reservoirs and four dugout pits.

He said the facilities contained about 38,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and approximately 167,180 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), bringing the total volume of recovered products to 205,680 litres.

The seized products are estimated to be worth about N227 million at prevailing market prices, highlighting the significant economic losses associated with crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

Captain Forunsho described the operation as one of the most significant successes recorded under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, noting that dismantling the illegal refining infrastructure disrupted criminal supply chains that fuel oil theft, undermine legitimate petroleum operations and deprive the country of vital revenue.

He added that the illegal refining sites and recovered products were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, preventing their return to the illicit market.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to combat crude oil theft and protect the nation’s maritime domain, stressing that safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s economic security and supporting growth in the energy sector.

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