Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Nigerian Navy has dismantled illegal crude oil refining operations and recovered suspected stolen petroleum products in Rivers State. The operation took place in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni area of the Niger Delta region.
Okay News reports that the Navy disclosed the action via its verified social media account on Saturday. The operation was conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, the service’s flagship maritime security initiative.
The Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team carried out the mission. They discovered a tampered wellhead belonging to an oil company that had been illegally modified.
The wellhead was connected to an improvised pipeline used to siphon crude oil into dugout pits. This setup facilitated illegal refining activities in the area.
Further exploitation of the site led to dismantling of illegal refining equipment. The team recovered significant quantities of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
These included Automotive Gas Oil, Premium Motor Spirit, and Dual Purpose Kerosene. All recovered materials were secured as evidence for potential prosecution.
Commodore Mutalib Raji, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, commented on the operation. He emphasized the effectiveness of Operation Delta Sentinel in combating crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
Raji reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustained intensified operations. He also highlighted strengthened collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to protect national assets.
In late February 2026, the Navy conducted a similar operation in the same area. That mission destroyed three illegal refinery sites, five ovens, and 25 dugout pits.
The earlier operation also uncovered an illegally tapped wellhead connected to makeshift refining camps. Significant quantities of refined products were recovered and secured.
The Nigerian Navy reported destroying over 800 illegal refineries nationwide in 2025. These operations recovered 171,000 barrels of stolen crude oil over a two-year period.
The crackdown also led to arrest of 76 vessels and at least 242 suspects. These individuals face charges related to crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
Oil theft remains one of the most significant challenges facing Nigeria’s petroleum industry. It reduces government revenue and hampers the country’s ability to meet official oil production targets.
The Niger Delta region has historically been a hotspot for such criminal activities. Militant groups and criminal networks have exploited the area’s complex waterways for decades.
