The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegally reconstructed refining cluster along the Rivers–Bayelsa border, recovering about 8,500 litres of suspected petroleum products.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, according to a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information.
Nigerian Navy said the raid was executed by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SOROH), following credible intelligence on illegal refining activities around Egboama/Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Folorunsho explained that the operation involved coordinated land and water insertion, supported by aerial surveillance to locate concealed refining sites hidden within creeks.
Troops reportedly discovered about 5,500 litres of suspected crude oil and 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Generators, welding machines, and other equipment used in expanding the illegal facilities were also recovered.
He noted that the networks had made deliberate efforts to rebuild refining infrastructure previously destroyed by security forces.
All identified sites and equipment were deactivated in line with operational procedures, while surveillance of adjoining creek corridors continues.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting national assets, curbing crude oil theft, and denying economic saboteurs freedom of action in the Niger Delta under Operation Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
