The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of the Oando–Ondewari pipeline at Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

In Rivers State, the Navy recovered a total of 288,000 litres of petroleum products after deactivating refining sites at Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area, and Oseokishikpa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

The arrest of the suspects followed a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance outfit after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.

Subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in the spillage of crude oil, posing threat to critical national energy infrastructure.

Naval spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said acting on actionable intelligence, the Service personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at the Ondewari Community in the early hours of 12 June 2026, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.

According to Folorunsho, preliminary investigations established the suspects’ involvement in the act of vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.

He said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations, after which the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

Folorunsho said that anti-crude theft operations in Rivers led to the discovery of an illegal refining site containing approximately 30,000 litres of suspected illegally-sourced crude oil and 138,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in reservoirs, refining facilities, and over 1,200 sacks strategically concealed across the area for onward distribution.

He described refining sites at Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, as a known hotspot for illegal refining activities.

The Naval spokesman added that illegal refining sites comprising eight dugout pits and reservoirs containing approximately 15,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 105,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were also uncovered around the Oseokishikpa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

He said the operations underscored the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to undermine Nigeria’s economic interests through acts of vandalism and sabotage.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.”