By KENNEDY SHEYIN

The Nigerian Navy has recovered 61,000ltrs of petroleum products in Rivers through the disruption of a reactivated illegal refining structure.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Folorunsho, the navy, through the operation, sustained its operational momentum against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, while recording another significant success in Rivers.

“The operation, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers, led to the discovery and deactivation of three newly established illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities in the area.”

He said during the operation, personnel recovered approximately 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs.

“The sum of both illegal refined products recovered brings the total volume of recovered petroleum products to 61,000 litres”, he said.

He said that the latest discovery highlighted the continued attempts by criminal elements to reactivate and expand illegal refining operations despite sustained enforcement efforts.

The captain recalled that similar illegal refining infrastructure was dismantled within the same general area in July 2026, underscoring the determination of crude oil theft syndicates to re-establish their activities.

“By maintaining sustained operational presence across identified hotspots, the navy continues to deny economic saboteurs the opportunity to rebuild their networks.

“It also protects critical national assets and supports the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance oil production and economic security”, he added.

The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.(NAN)

Update news