Nigerian Navy dismantles illegal oil refining sites in Rivers State, seizes 660,000 L of crude and fuel

The Nigerian Navy, operating the patrol vessel NNS PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, intercepted three re‑activated illegal refining camps in the Ogba‑Egbema‑Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Actionable intelligence led personnel to 13 dug‑out pits where they recovered about 260,000 litres of crude oil and roughly 405,000 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO). The sites had been previously dismantled, but criminal syndicates attempted to revive production using oil from an abandoned wellhead. Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation highlights ongoing efforts to prevent the regeneration of illegal refining networks and protect Nigeria’s economic assets.