Abuja, May 18, 2026 The Nigerian Navy says it has destroyed a rebuilt illegal oil refining site located along the Rivers–Bayelsa border and recovered thousands of litres of suspected petroleum products during the operation.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the raid was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
Folorunsho explained that the operation followed intelligence reports about renewed illegal refining activities around the Egboama/Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said security operatives carried out coordinated land and water operations, supported by aerial surveillance, to identify and access hidden refining camps within the creeks.
During the exercise, troops reportedly discovered about 5,500 litres of suspected crude oil and 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The operation also led to the recovery of generators, welding equipment and other materials allegedly being used to rebuild and expand the illegal refining facilities.
According to the Navy, evidence at the site indicated that suspected operators were attempting to reactivate infrastructure that had previously been destroyed by security agencies.
Folorunsho stated that all identified camps and equipment were dismantled in line with operational procedures, while monitoring and surveillance activities continue across nearby creek channels.
He noted that ongoing operations are aimed at preventing the return of illegal refining activities and disrupting networks involved in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The Navy also reiterated its resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations targeted at safeguarding national assets, protecting the maritime environment and curbing economic sabotage in the region.o choose a block