By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled two illegal refining sites and recovered about 34,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The operation, conducted on August 28, 2026, was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
The Navy, in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the products were recovered from dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs at the illegal refining sites.
The operation, according to the statement, was part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the reactivation of illegal refining infrastructure in the area.
It said the continued interventions by the naval formation had contributed to a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the general area.
The statement explained that recovered products and other items associated with the illegal activities were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The Navy said no arrest was made during the operation as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.
It reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining, protect critical national assets and safeguard legitimate economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environment.
