The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining sites containing eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs laden with approximately 85,000 litres illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers.

The products were uncovered by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder under Operation Delta Sentinel at the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

According to the Naval Spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the illegal refining sites and recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.

Folorunsho said that the latest success comes barely two weeks after NNS Pathfinder disrupted two illegal refining sites within the same general area on 3 August 2026.

“The repeated disruption of illegal refining activities in the area reflects the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from regaining operational footholds and rebuilding illicit refining infrastructure.

“The continued operational pressure is also yielding positive results, with a decline in the reactivation of illegal refining sites within the area. This demonstrates the growing impact of sustained naval action in degrading the activities of crude oil theft and illegal refining networks,” he said.

The Naval spokesman stressed that Service would sustain Operation Delta Sentinel to protect critical national assets, disrupt illegal petroleum supply chains and support the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the oil and gas sector and safeguard national economic interests.